THE DAHLIA- 
There are four generally recog- 
nizedtypes: ist, Single, or Cos- 
mos-Flowered ; 2d, Pompon, or 
Bouquet ; 3d, Large Flowering, or Show ; 4th, Cactus, the last being 
the newest. 
The Single varieties are very desirable, producing as they do flowers of 
the most attractive hues early in the season., 
The Pompon. Each season finds this class increasing in popularity, being 
highly prized on account of the small size of its flowers for bouquets and cut 
flowers. Very brilliant colors. 
The Large Flowering are very large and showy and comprise a very large 
list of varieties, embracing an extensive range of colors. 
The Cactus Flowering is fast becoming the most popular class of Dahlias; 
the peculiar twist of the petals makes them especially attractive, and they cer- 
tainly have the most graceful appearance. Like the other varieties, colors 
range from white to dark maroon. 
CULTURE — The culture of the Dahlia is simple. Place roots in damp 
soil, sand, or sawdust, and keep in a warm place for a few days before ready to 
set in the ground, to start the eyes, when they can be divided if more than one 
eye starts. It is best to leave but one stalk to each hill. When they have 
come up, cut out the top above the second pair of leaves ; this will cause the 
plant to branch out close to the ground and make a strong, bushy plant that 
will require no staking. Any good garden soil, enriched with well rotted 
manure, will grow nice Dahlias, if well provided with moisture, which is 
necessary to their success. Plant any time after all danger of frost is past, 
and keep well cultivated and free from weeds. A mulch of straw manure in 
the latter part of the season will prove an advantage. About a week after 
plants are killed in the fall, take up on a bright day and let dry in the sun, 
and then store in the cellar upon shelves, where they can be kept dry. If 
QvX away too damp, or are left in piles, they are liable to decay. 
