riAHLIAB 
The Dahlia. 
This interesting class of flowering plants derives its name from Dr. Andrew 
Dahl, a noted Swedish botanist. The wild Dahlia is found only in Mexico and South 
America. There are but few species, perhaps twelve; but these have been pro- 
pogated into a seemingly endless number of varieties. Just who should have the 
honors for first introducing the Dahlia as a domestic flower is a question upon 
which the authorities differ, but it is generally conceded that the first collection was 
sent to Madrid by Baron Homboldt who was traveling in Mexico. They were first 
introduced into England in 1789 by the Marchioness of Bute, but they were grown 
in France and Spain several years prior to this; this collection together with another 
received in 1804 were lost. Another lot was imported in 1815 and from this collec- 
tion most of the Dahlias of the present time have been propigated. The flowers 
embrace all colors excepting blue. In their native state they are single. 
Cultivation. 
The Dahlia is one of the easiest of all plants to cultivate, it will thrive well 
in any ordinary garden soil, but is improved greatly by a careful preparation of the 
soil by a thorough spading and a moderate quantity of manure. The bulbs should 
be planted three feet apart and four to five inches below the surface of the ground. 
The soil should then be pressed down firmly over the bulb. They should be planted 
about the first of May, the sprout will appear above the ground in about fifteen to 
eighteen ,days. The ground should be kept thoroughly cultivated until the flower 
buds appear, after this, liberal watering will be all they need. All varieties grow- 
ing above three feet high should be tied to stakes to prevent them from falling. As 
a rule Dahlias are true to color year after year, but occasionally a change of soil or 
climate will produce a variation in the color; some varieties are desirable because of 
this capricious tendency. 
Winter Protection. — As soon as the frost has killed the fohage the roots 
should be carefully taken from the ground and the soil shaken from among them; 
they may then be stored away in a cool place, not too dry, but secure from frost. 
A Word to the Public. 
While I am a lover of flowers, I make no claim to being a florist. Some ten 
years ago, in connection with my other business, fruit growing, I began to grow 
Dahlias as an amusement, especially the propogation of new varieties. A demand 
was at once created for the bulbs which has steadily increased until now I am grow- 
ing them extensively for commercial purposes. I have imported many varieties from 
England, most of which have done remarkably well. Flowers from the bulbs which 
I offer have twice taken the State premium. W. W. WILMORE. 
