CULTURE OF DAHLIAS. 
107 
uprights, each of which has three small hooks (a), to support the hoops when set 
as ( b ). If the diameter of the hoops were twelve inches the top one, eight the 
middle one, and five the lower one, it would require to make them about seven feet 
of quarter-inch iron. Again, supposing one of the uprights, 
( c ) to be five feet long, and half an inch thick, each stand 
being formed of three uprights, would take fifteen feet long 
of half-inch iron. But if the hoops measured in diameter 
eighteen inches, twelve inches, and nine inches, they would 
require about eleven feet long of quarter-inch iron. The 
whole cost of each, except workmanship, would scarcely 
exceed eighteen pence. 
28. When the flower buds appear, thin out all the small 
and weakly ones, if fine flowers are wanted ; but if they are 
merely to ornament the flower border, this is not necessary. 
29. When the blooming season is near to its close, lay about three or four inches 
thickness of rotten bark or leaf mould over the roots, and for two feet round the 
stem of each plant ; this is done to prevent the crown of the plant from being 
damaged by sharp and sudden frosts. 
30. Always select, if possible, a dry windy day for taking up the roots ; shake 
the soil carefully from them, so as not to twist the roots. 
31. As soon as they are cut down by frost take them up, and remove them to an 
airy situation in a shed, or mushroom-house ; and there place singly over the floor 
or shelves, till the soil remaining on the roots is dry. 
32. When perfectly dry lay them on shelves secure from damp or frost ; and 
cover them either with dry sand, sifted tan, or other material of this kind, and they 
will keep perfectly sound. 
Criterion of a good Double Dahlia. 44 The flower should be fully double, 
always filling the centre ; the florets entire or -nearly so, pointed or rounded, 
reflexed and so forming a globular head, regular in the disposition, each series over- 
lapping the other backwards : they may be either plain or quilled, but never 
distorted; if, instead of being reflexed the florets are recurved, the flower will be 
equally symmetrical. The peduncles ought to be sufficiently strong to keep the 
blossoms erect, and consequently well exposed to view, and long enough to show 
the flowers free of the leaves ; if they are a little pendulous in the taller growing 
sorts, they will have a more elegant appearance. The plant ought to flower early 
and abundantly, and retain its characters until the end of the season. Colours 
bright and velvety are most admired.”— Hort. Trans. , Vol. 7. Part 1 . 
