SHOW DAHLIAS. 



28 



for by the fact that the frost is always more severe near or on 

 the ground than it is three or four feet from it. 



Of late years we have prided ourselves on having reduced the 

 height of the plants, hut we must admit that, though much has 

 been gained, something has been lost by bringing the blooms 

 and more tender shoots and leaves nearer the frosts. 



According to the Darwinian theory, any useful variation of 

 which the plant is capable can be perpetuated by careful selec- 

 tion. If we find any one plant, either among the named varieties 

 or in our seed-beds, which, though subjected to exactly the same 

 influences as its neighbours, in the least degree withstands the 

 frosts better, we should grow that variety purposely for seed. 

 By such means we should in time gain the end in view. Certain 

 of the cabbage tribe have been much improved in this direction. 



But perhaps a still more needful improvement lies in the 

 more careful selection of colours. Dahlia raisers must remember 

 that, if they wish to perfect their art, a large share of attention 

 must be paid to colour. What applies to the horse, of whom it 

 is said if he is a good horse he must be a good colour, will not 

 apply to the Dahlia. I contend that some Dahlias are positively 

 ugly. Some Fancy varieties and all magentas and puces are 

 included in this condemnatory clause. 



Is there anyone brave enough among our cultivators to once 

 more start at the beginning with original single varieties, and, 

 through years of patient labour, again go over the well-trodden 

 ground, and, by careful cultivation and selection, watch for useful 

 variations of different types ? 



We are doing this to some extent. Already we have four dis- 

 tinct types. Is it not quite possible to raise as many more ? Of 

 course it would be difficult to imagine what they would be, but 

 this is no argument against the possibility, for it must have been 

 difficult at one time, when only the large Double type was grown, to 

 imagine a Pompon type, or that a Cactus could be considered 

 beautiful. 



The bee is a great friend of the Dahlia-grower, in promoting 

 the fertilisation of the flowers ; but by artificial fertilisation we 

 may to some extent control the colours of the seedlings. It is 

 useless to attempt this unless circumstances are particularly 

 favourable, and the flower so fully developed as to show its centre, 

 containing the essential organs in a ripe condition. 



