80 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



piece of stick in the hand, and kill all intruders. This is the 

 quickest and most effective way ; better, I think, than shaking 

 them out into hot water, as many escape by that method. 



The course above recommended has its disadvantages, for the 

 earwigs smell very unpleasant ; but still the Dahlia-grower is not 

 as a rule very fastidious so long as his plants are doing well. 



While I am speaking of insect plagues, I might as well mention 

 that if the weather is very dry the black-fly often makes its 

 appearance at the end of June or early in July. This is a sad 

 scourge, and taxes our patience as much as anything. Syringing 

 of an evening with tobacco water, or quassia, is a very good plan, 

 also to dust the affected plants over with snuff or tobacco powder ; 

 either will certainly act as a check upon them. 



By the middle of July it will be necessary to thin out some 

 of the branches, as too much growth prevents the production of 

 fine flowers. This operation must be regulated by the nature of 

 each variety. Some sorts are apt to become large and coarse ; 

 from such we must cut away very little, or perhaps not any. 

 The smaller varieties must be cut somewhat severely. When 

 this is done, put side stakes to the plants, one to each branch, to 

 prevent the wind breaking them. Four side stakes and one central 

 one are generally sufficient. A good mulching of dung, straw, or 

 anything that will prevent the evaporation of the moisture that 

 is now necessary to the Dahlia, must be given before the plants 

 get too large. This plan is also useful for another reason : you 

 can walk upon the ground better, as it will not pick up so, or 

 cling to the feet and convey loose soil on to the paths, which 

 would otherwise be the case after a heavy rain or watering, for 

 now the plants will want plenty of water ; hard-eyed flowers, such 

 as George Rawlings and Prince Bismarck, will want an extra dose. 



Many varieties will now begin to show their buds ; these must 

 be picked off, unless wanted for very early shows. These early 

 blooms weaken the plants and are mostly poor, even if left on. 

 Early Dahlia blooms are really not wanted in the garden, for 

 they are badly shaped and with nothing special in colour to 

 recommend them. This remark refers to Show varieties only, 

 not to Cactus or Pompon Dahlias. If the centre buds are picked 

 off, the side branches will soon begin to show buds. These can 

 be left, and as soon as they grow as large as a pea can be thinned 

 to one on a branch, or rather sub -branch, for the plants by 



