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LXXIV. The Method of Propagating choice Dahlias by graft- 

 ing their Shoots on the Tubers of the Roots of more common 

 kinds. In a Letter to the Secretary. By Mr. Thomas 

 Blake, Gardener to James Vere, Esq. F. H. S. at Ken- 

 sington Gore. 



Read August 21, 1821. 



Sir, 



In compliance with jour desire, I send you an account of 

 my manner of propagating ^Double Dahlias on the roots of 

 single ones ; should it be thought deserving a place in the 

 Transactions of the Horticultural Society, I shall be gratified 

 by the distinction shewn to my communication. 



Necessity is the mother of invention, and so it operated 

 with me in the subject now before you ; for, not being able to 

 procure plants of double Dahlias, but having opportunities 

 of obtaining cuttings from my brother gardeners, I was in- 

 duced to try the experiment of grafting them, in preference 

 to striking the cuttings, which is a tedious process. I first 

 attempted it last year, but began too late to succeed well ; 

 for unless the new plant forms eyes for the succeeding year, 

 it is nothing more than annual ; and the work must be done 

 early, to effect this object. In the present season I have suc- 

 ceeded beyond my most sanguine expectations, and therefore 

 proceed to give you the details of my practice. 



The cutting intended for the graft should be strong, and 

 short-jointed, having on it two or more joints, or buds ; 

 it must be also procured as soon in the season as possible; 



