Jl Tew Tacts and Tamks 
Mouf 
the 
Dahlia 
Culthation and 
Protection 
READ THIS 
BEFORE PLANTING 
THIS interesting: flower derives its name from Dr. Andrew Dahl. a noted 
Swedish botanist. Tlie wild Dahlia is found in South America, and 
extends as far north as Mexico. There are but few species, but these 
have been propagated into a seemingly endless number of varieties of every 
hue. Just who should have the honor 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 
Humboldt, 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. Tliis 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 pro- 
pagated. 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 m the popular attention paid to it. 
Especially is this true of some of the new cactus varieties which, with their 
long twisted or pointed petals, remind me more of a Chrysanthemum 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 In- 
stance 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, however, that the laws governing these habits are but 
tittle understood. 
WHILE the Dahlia is one of the easiest of all flowers to cultivate, 
it by no means follows that it requires no attention. In fact, no 
flower that I have ever cultivated will give such a generous re- 
sponse to good cultivation as the Dahlia. Deep and thorough stirring of the 
soil during the early growth of the plant is indispensable to success. With 
poor cultivation or neglect the flowers wilt rapidly degenerate— 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 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. 
Classification of 
Dahlias 
Dahlias are divided into six general classes, and are amply illustrated on 
the back of this Catalogue : 
Class I. CACTUS.— This class embraces the long narrow-petaled varieties; 
the petals of which are generally pointed or twisted. 
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. 
FANCY.— This class takes in all variegated varieties. 
POMPONE.— This class embraces the 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 5- SHOW.— The name Show generally applies to those varieties pro- 
ducing large, well-formed flowers, showing only solid colors, but 
may frequently have shaded tips. 
SINGLE.- Too well known to require a description. 
Class 3. 
Class 4. 
Class 6. 
NOTE— There is of necessity more or less overlapping among the 
classes, and the above rules only apply in general. 
W. W. WJLMORE, '=DMia. SpecUlisi. 
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