moss. This is not always necessary but it is a good precaution against mold or an at- 
mosphere that is too dry. Sand makes a good packing material but is too heavy to be used 
in large packages. Commercial growers have cellars of special construction for this pur- 
pose and where packing material is not necessary, but even here, a paper should be spread 
over the top of the roots. 
Where cellar room is not available or is rendered unfit by reason of a furnace, an 
outdoor pit makes a good place for storage. The pit must be located where no water v^dll 
get into it and ample covering to exclude the frost must be provided. 
VARIETIES TO PLAN T. 
This will always be an open question. To recommend a list of specific varieties 
might pave the way for serious disappointment. It is a well-known fact that while the 
Dahlia does well in practically all countries and often under very trying conditions, yet 
there are many varieties suitable to one locality that are failures in another. This is also 
true of other lists of flowers, fruits and vegetables. This tendency to vary in different 
localities is not a very serious matter, as the percentage would be very small. Another 
reason why a specific list would not be advisable, is that new varieties are constantly 
crowding out the older ones. 
Some suggestions, however, in a general way, may not be out of place. Procure the 
best varieties possible. They require no more space or care than the poor ones. Buy 
only of reliable dealers. Do not plant too many varieties. Aim at quality rather than 
quantity and at all times remember that an old variety is not necessarily inferior. As a 
rule, the purchaser, unless familiar with varieties will do well to leave the selection to some 
reliable 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 the stem is a very im- 
portant matter in selecting varieties. If the grower or dealer is honest, he will see to it 
that the confidence is not misplaced. 
Another excellent plan is for the prospective purchaser to 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 and Peony types are leading in popu- 
lar favor and from the standpoint of artistic beauty, the popular taste is well placed. Yet 
it is plainly evident that the old types, especially the decorative forms, will still hold a 
large share of 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 re- 
tard their development. Then practically all varieties are good. 
Single varieties are still very popular with many and were it not for the 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 very great extent, if they are 
cut before the flowers are fully open. 
FACTS AND FANCIES. 
Dahlias do not mix by being planted together. If they show variations in color, 
it is due to influences present when the liny seed which produced the variety was in the 
process of formation. These hereditary taints (or virtues), often lay dormant for years. 
15 
