106 
CULTURE OF DAHLIAS. 
this may be either in the flower border, or on an open quarter to themselves. It 
is necessary that the situation be sheltered from winds, and yet fully exposed to the 
influence of the sun. 
21. If they are planted on a quarter, they must be placed from three to six feet 
apart, according to their size ; but if on the borders, no rule can be fixed, but the 
situation must be left to the option of the cultivator. 
22. The soil in which they flower best is a good rich loam, rather strong than 
otherwise. Therefore if the soil is naturally bad, it is necessary to open holes two 
feet deep and wide, and fill them with a good compost for the reception of the 
plants. 
23. It is very advantageous to change the situations every year, but this is not 
indispensable, as they will flower with great vigour in the same situation for many 
years. 
24. Never plant the roots very shallow, but rather deep than otherwise. 
25. If the weather should be dry after they are planted, give them a good 
watering once a week with some liquid manure or soapsuds, which will greatly 
facilitate their growth. 
26. Never allow above two stems to proceed from the root. As they branch out 
from the bottom take them off ; the plants, by these means, will flower much finer 
than if they are allowed to remain. 
27. Staking is indispensable, or they will a f> 
soon be broken by the wind. This may be 
securely done, by driving three stakes in a 
triangular form round the plant, to M'hich 
securely tie all the branches; or they may be 
trained to a fence with advantage ; but pro- 
bably the best means of support is by iron 
stands. The one manufactured and sold by 
Mr. Murphy of Dublin, one of the Editors of 
the “ Irish Farmers’ and Gardeners’ Maga- 
zine,” has met with a very great sale. The 
uprights are made of |- round iron, and 
stand four feet above the surface of the 
ground. The hoops are •§ round iron, and 
pass through holes punched in the uprights. 
The figure (a) represents the stand as fixed 
in the ground, and figure (6) shows the 
manner of placing it when not in use. 
Another very neat one, the design of 
which was sent to us by Mr. Saul, of Lan- 
caster, looks very neat, and answers the 
purpose very well. It may be obtained at a very trifling expense, as it requires no 
labour in making after the uprights are cast. It merely consists of three half-inch 
