and at all times remember that an old variety is not necessarily inferior. As a rule, I 
think, the purchaser, unless he is familiar with varieties, will do well to leave the selection 
to some responsible grower or dealer. Simply stating the colors and types wanted, and if 
wanted for cutting purposes this fact should also be stated, as the length of stem is a 
very important matter in selecting varieties. If the grower or dealer is honest he will 
see to it that your confidence is not misplaced. 
Another excellent plan is for the prospective purchaser to first visit the grounds of 
some up-to-date grower or park where Dahlias are properly named, and there make a list 
of names of varieties that are pleasing. 
As previously stated in these pages the Cactus types are leading in popular favor, 
and from the standpoint of artistic beauty the popular taste is well placed. Yet it is 
plainly evident that the older types — especially the decorative forms — will still hold a 
large share of the popular favor, as they possess a real worth not found in many of the 
newer introductions, chiefly because of their excellent qualities for cutting purposes. Some 
of the Cactus varieties are also excellent for this purpose, but as a class they are deficient 
in keeping qualities after being cut, except in late autumn, when cooler days and nights 
retard their development. Then practically all varieties are good. 
Single varieties are still very popular with many, and were it not for a weakness 
they have of dropping their petals so quickly, they would be a very important factor in 
the cut flower trade. This weakness may be overcome to a great extent if the flowers 
are cut before they are fully open. 
FACTS AND FANCIES. 
Dahlias do not mix in color by being planted together. If they show variation in 
color, it is due to influences present when the tiny seed which produced the variety was in 
process of formation. These hereditary taints (or virtues) often lay dormant for years 
and then suddenly make their presence known by throwing out some color or variation 
quite new to the variety. This erratic tendency of the Dahlia even among varieties fairly 
constant in color is undoubtedly influenced greatly by soil and climatic conditions. Some 
seasons the variegations are strongly in evidence, yet the same variety under similar con- 
ditions the next season may run largely to solid colors. In fact, this change may take 
place in the short period of a few weeks. One characteristic feature of variegated varieties 
that is noticeable is that the lighter shades in the variegation are not so stable as the darker 
shade. For instance, a red with a white tipped petal will gradually show less of the 
white until the white is practically eliminated, except for an occasional flower. 
The size and vigor of blooms may be greatly increased by removing the side branches 
and leaving but one bud to a leading branch. This is the common practice for producing 
exhibition blooms, but is neither necessary nor desirable for other purposes. A vigorous 
plant will produce a wealth of fine blooms without this forcing process. Five to twenty- 
five blooms at a time is not an unusual number for a healthy plant when it comes to 
maturity. 
For best results remove all dead and faded flowers. They are unsightly and tax 
the strength of the plant. 
TIME TO CUT BLOOMS. 
Dahlia blooms should never be cut in the heat of the day. They are then in a half 
wilted condition — a state which is hard to revive them from. This work should be done 
in the early evening or early morning — preferably the evening, as they will then have the 
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