THE DAHLIA 



greater prominence than ever, precisely as does 

 the cut of a sleeve or the style of hair-dressing. 

 This explanation may not be very complimentary 

 to American good sense or taste, but I think it 

 goes to the root of the matter. It is sincerely to 

 be hoped that the time will come when our flower- 

 growing will have no trace of the fad about it, 

 and that whatever we cultivate will grow into 

 favor solely because of real merit, and that its 

 popularity will be permanent. I am encouraged 

 to think that such may be the case, for some of 

 the favorite flowers of the day have held their 

 own against all newcomers for a considerable 

 period, and seem to be growing in favor every 

 year. This is as it should be. 



It used to be thought that the Dahlia could not 

 be grown successfully at the north if it were not 

 started into growth in the house, or greenhouse, 

 very early in the season. Nine times out of ten 

 the result was a weak, spindling plant by the 

 time it was safe to put it into the ground — 

 which was not until all danger from frost was 

 over. Generally such plants were not strong 

 enough to bloom until about the time frost came 

 in fall, for it took them the greater part of the 

 season to recover from the effect of early forcing, 

 in which the vitality of the plant suffered almost 



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