A FEW FACTS AND FANCIES 
cAbout tbe^t 
Dahlia 
This interesting: flower derives its name from Or. Andrew Dahl. a noted Swedish botanist. 
The wild Dahlia is found in South America, and extends as far 
nortli as Mexico. There are but few species, but these have 
been propagated into a seemingly endless number of varieties 
every hue. Just who should have the honor for first introduc- ' 
ing the Dahlia as a domestic flower is a question upon which the 
autliorities ditler. But it is generally conceded that the first 
collection was sent to Madrid by Baron Humboldt, who was 
traveling in Mexico. Tliey 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, 
was lost. Another lot was imported in 1815, and from this collection most of the Dahlias of the 
present time have been propagated. The flowers embrace all colors except blue. In their wild state 
they are single. 
But to speak of the Dahlia of the present: It is wonderful to note the changes, not only in 
the Dahlia itself, but in the popular attention paid to it. Especially is this true of some of the new 
cactus varieties wliich, with their long twisted or pointed petals, remind me more of a Chrysan- 
tliemum than a Dahlia. But, however popular this new type may be with some, it is plainly evident 
that it will not supplant the old show and fancy types. It, however, should be borne in mind that the 
Cactus-Dahlia is still new, and it is quite probable that many of the weaknesses of the type may yet 
be eradicated. The capricious habit of the Dahlia to sometimes freak, and sport, has given rise to 
some popular delusions concerning them, as for instance drawing color from other plants through 
the contact of the roots, and making variegated varieties by drawing various colored yarn threads 
through the roots, etc.; all such beliefs are without foundation in fact. It must be admitted, how- 
ever, that the laws governing these habits are but little understood. 
While the Dahlia is one of .the easiest of all flowers to cultivate, it by no means follows that 
A - , ■ » ftf -r\ requires no attention. In fact, no flower that I have ever 
CULlIVATI O A N D cultivated will give such a generous response to good cultivation 
PP OTTrr'TTO TVT '^^ Dahlia. Deep and thorough stirring of the soil during 
^ E.U< 1 H_»1N jjjg gai-iy growth of the plant is indispensable to success. With 
Read this before planting poor cultivation oiy.eglect the flowers will .-apidly degeneT 
become semi-double and faded m color. The Dahlia, with but 
few exceptions, should be given an open, sunny situation for at least a portion of each day. It is a 
rank feeder and should be given rich soil and kept free from grass and weeds. Cultivation should 
cease when the blooms appear. After this a liberal supply of water in dry weather will be all they 
require. Plant the bulbs two or three feet apart, according to the size and habit of the plant. The 
bulbs should be planted about four inches below the surface of the ground, laying the bulb on its 
side. Varieties growing about three feet in height should be tied to stakes to prevent falling. Plant 
about the first of May in this latitude. As soon as the frost has killed the foliage, the roots should be 
carefully taken from the ground and the soil shaken from among them; they may be stored away in a 
cool place, not too dry, but secure from frost. 
Dahlias are divided into six general classes, and are amply illustrated on the back of this 
Catalogue. 
CLASSIFICATION OF Classl. C4Crt;S— This class embraces the long narrow-petaled 
DA TT T T A c varieties; the petals of which are generally pointed or 
A H L 1 A b j,^,i^tg,j 
Class 2. DECORATIVE, (so called for want of a better name).— This class is an intermediate form, 
having broad, flat petals, and was formerly classed with the Cactus lists. 
Class 3. F/4JVCK— This class takes in all variegated varieties. 
Class 4. POMPONB.— This class embraces tlie small round Dahlias, the plants of which are generally 
of a dwarf bushy habit. The lines for this class, however, are not clearly drawn. 
Class S. SHOW.— The name Show generally applies to those varieties producing large, well-formed 
flowers, showing only solid colors, but may frequently have shaded tips. 
Class 6, SINGLE^— Too well known to require a description. 
Note.— There is of necessity more or less overlapping among the classes, and 
the above rules only apply in general. 
W. W. WILMORE, 
Dahlia. Specialist 
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