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SUITABLENESS OF SOME KINDS OF DAHLIAS FOR 
FORMING DWARF MASSES, 
It is not our intention in the present paper to assume that any improvement in 
the method of growing Dahlias, as they are generally cultivated, can be attained ; 
except, it may be, in some points of minor importance. Planted as they usually are, 
in extensive masses in suitable situations ; in isolated groups ; or in single and double 
lines ; and as individual specimens ; simply secured to an upright support, a proper 
space for the development to the full of their beauties, and the individual merits of 
each ; being agreeably trained, they constitute as separate individuals, or collective 
masses, a beautiful and noble object. 
Any varieties taken indiscriminately, whatever are their merits as perfect formed 
flowers, or as being of a desirable colour, will not be suitable for our purpose ; nor can we 
specify any particular variety as appropriate, by giving its name, when there is such 
an endless number of names, and some of which are applied to flowers wholly 
opposite as regards their merits and colour. And, again, exactly similar kinds bear 
in different places wholly different names. One of ancient favour, at the time of its 
popularity being held in great estimation, bore the name of Ranculceflora very 
generally, under which name, for growing in dwarf masses, it is now in some places 
extensively cultivated. Globularia multiflora is a name it was also known by. It is 
of small dimensions, growing from three to four feet high, short jointed, and bears a 
large proportion of foliage, which is of a medium size and much serrated. The 
flowers are self-coloured, brightish crimson, rather small, of very fair form, and 
borne on shortish peduncles, in immense profusion. In this last particular merit 
consists its great excellence for the purpose under consideration. The variety in 
question is thus described in detail, as it possibly possesses most of those properties 
which render a variety especially suitable for the object we have in view. Any of a 
similar character, of whatever colour, would be proportionately useful ; those of 
decided colours, bright and distinct, being most valuable. Among the numerous 
striped kinds and variegated varieties in general, numerous very appropriate, without 
doubt, could be found ; and if even few suitable at present exist, a very limited 
period need elapse before almost any number of varieties of the required habit could 
be raised, proper parents, to commence with, being chosen ; for it is well known 
Dahlias increase in variety when raised from seed, to as great an extent as they can 
be increased in numbers by propagation. 
The most suitable kinds being selected, in raising the plants attention should be 
directed with a view to prevent their being highly stimulated, or luxuriance of dispo- 
sition created, it being unfavourable to a satisfactory production of bloom. The soil 
to grow them in should be somewhat selected, any description would tend to defeat a 
favourable result; that free, rather light, and perhaps slightly poor, should be 
chosen. In planting, the plants should be placed so as nearly to lie flat on the 
