A FEW FACTS AND FANCIES 
About the Dahlia 
This interesting flower derives its name from Dr. Amln w Uahl, ;i ncitcil hiwcdish botan- 
ist. Tlie wild Dahlia is found in South America, and extends as far north as Mexii;o. There 
are but few species, but these liave been proi)agated into a seemingly endless number of varie- 
ties of ever}' hue. Just Avlio should have the honor for first introducing the Dahlia as a domestic 
ilowcr is a question upon which the authorities differ. But it is generally conceded that the 
first collection was sent to Madrid by Baron Humboldt, who was traveling in Mexico. They 
were first introduced into England in ITS!), by the iiarchioness of Bute, but they svcre 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 Dalilia of the present: It is wonderful to note the changes, not 
only in tlie Dahlia itself, but in the jiopular attention paid to it. Especially is this true of 
some of the new cactus varieties, wliicli, with their long twisted or pointed petals, remind me 
more of a Chry,3anthemum than a Dahlia. But, however popular this new tjpe 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 varie- 
gated varieties by drawing various colored yarn threads through tlie roots, etc.; all such beliefs 
are without foundation in fact. It must be admitted, however, that the laws governing these 
habits arc but little understood. 
CULTIVATION AND PROTECTION 
( READ THIS BEFOBE PLANTING ) 
\\ hile the Dahlia is one of the easiest of all flowers to cultivate, it by no nieans follows 
that il rciiuires no attention. In fact, no flower that 1 have ever cultivated will give such a 
generous response to good cvdtivation as the Dahlia. Deep and thorough stirring of the soil dur- 
ing the early growth of flie plant is indispensable to success. With poor cultivation or neglect 
the flower will ra])idly degenratc — become semi-double and faded in 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 ami should be given fich soil and kept free from grass and weeds. Cultiva- 
tion should ceasa when the blooms appear. After this a liberal supply of water in dry weather 
will be all the}' recpiire. Plant the bulbs two or three feet apart, according to the size and 
habit of the plant. The bulbs should be planted four inches below the surface of the ground, 
laying the bulb on its side. Varieties growing aV)out three feet in height should be tied to 
stakes to ))revent falling. I'lant about the first of May in this latitude. As soon as the frost 
has killed the foliiige. tlie roots should be carefully taken from the ground and the soil shaken 
from among them: tlicy may be stored away in a cool place, not too dry, but secure from frost. 
FLOWER AND VEGETABLE SEEDS 
I Ao not keei) these in stock, but will gladly ])rocure them from local dealers and send 
them without extra cost to customers who may have need of them, under the guarantee of the 
dealer. 
W. W. WILMORE, Dahlia Specialist. 
