Beckett's Seed Store, 101 and 103 Federal St., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa. SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS 



THE CULTURE OF THE DAHLIA 



Follow These Instructions and You Can Not Eliminate Success 



The soil should be thoroughly cultivated eight to ten inches deep the proceeding fall, if 

 possible. To secure exceptional results, barn-yard manure should be worked in at that time. 

 Just before planting turn same over again. 



The time for planting Dahlias varies, according to the locality. They can be planted 

 after the danger of frosts is over. Always wait until the ground is thoroughly warmed, as 

 early planting and cold ground causes rotting and loss of tubers in many instances. 



First drive your stakes for the larger varieties three feet by three feet square, then dig 

 a hole eight inches deep at the base of each stakes, put in a small amount of Bone Meal and 

 cover with two inches of soil, lay the bulbs on side having the sprout facing upward. 



When the plant commences to show itself above the ground, care should be taken for the 

 prevention of cutworms. We recommend dusting with Arsenate of Lead. 



To obtain the largest and most perfect flowers only the terminal buds should be allowed 

 to mature, the others being taken off by rubbing or pinching, enabling the full strength to 

 develop to the bloom. 



Dahlia blooms should be cut early in the morning or late in the evening. The bloom must 

 be fully matured when cut or otherwise will not be satisfactory. 



After cutting, strip part of foliage off and put the stems in three inches of boiling water, 

 allowing them to stay in until the water cools. This will insure two more days to your flower. 



West Virginia 



A Hybrid Cactus type 

 with wide, deeply folded 

 rays twisted into slender, 

 spreading points, and fin- 

 ishing in magnificent star- 

 like form. Glowing, cardi- 

 nal-red, with shadings of 

 violet-crimson and maroon. 

 Plant is of vigorous con- 

 stitution and the stems are 

 long and stout. This is one 

 of the Dahlias which took 

 the attention and was 

 highly praised by all visitors 

 to our Dahlia booth at the 

 Wheeling State Fair. $2.50 

 each. 



Shelton's 

 Burnt Orange 



Dazzling scarlet-orange 

 rays whose flaring curls 

 and twists reveal dull, old- 

 gold, and umber under sur- 

 faces, displaying the glow- 

 ing face of the flower in 

 vivid contrast. Very large 

 and impressive blooms of 

 great beauty, borne on 

 stout, vigorous plants and 

 good strong stems. $2.50 

 each. 



Mrs. W. C. Beckert 



We are proud of this 

 brand-new Dahlia of soft 

 lemon-yellow, deepening 

 here and there to pure gold, 

 with occasional edges of 

 burnt umber. The rays are 

 broad, tubular at base, 

 tapering to fine points, and 

 very symmetrically ar- 

 ranged. Good strong stems 

 and vigorous plant. $4.00 

 each. 



Pennsylvania 



Broad, fluted rays, round- 

 ing gradually to pointed 

 tips, gracefully disposed, 

 giving the flower a lighter 

 and more fluffy effect than 

 is common to most Dahlias 

 of this color. Rich, claret- 

 red, with mauve and crim- 

 son backs. Noble, well- 

 posed flowers, held erect on 

 stiff stems of good length. 

 $2.00 each. 



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