BOTANICAL INDEX 
77 
leaves folded too hard, irregular center, had colors, deficiency at the body, and an 
inclination to star forms. — Horticultural Magazine, November, 183!). 
As second in the trade, John Sickmann, a Dahlia grower for forty years, grew as 
new varieties: England's Rival, in 1849, Triumph of Kcestritz, in 1859, German Sons, 
etc. The high estimation in which the German Dahlia growers were held after this 
time brought out : Mardner, in Princesse Alice, Perl’e, etc.; followed by Ilolbenz and 
Engelmann, in German Empress, Pet Son, Little Goldelse, Star of Germany, etc.; also, 
C. II. Muenschen, in German Emperor, Director Raspe, Zoila, Fireturban, etc. After a 
study and experience for 15 years in the culture of the much improved Dahlia, came 
Max Deegen, jr., II, of Koestriz, in 1871, who as a successful grower of this flower 
while in his father’s (Christian Deegen’s) employ, and after years’ of experience, grew 
the following: Ernest Schleicher, Lady Emma Deegen, Teacher Sachse, Max Deegen' s 
Pupil, Flower Princesse, etc. These were sent to the leading growers abroad, in order to 
have them brought more generally to notice and strive to surpass the three Kcestritz 
rivals. He also brought the culture of the Dahlia, in Germany, to a higher degree, in 
order that they altogether might surpass the foreign growers, and bring Kcestritz as 
a center in point of culture and shipping, and himself enjoy the honor of being 
Germany’s distinguished Dahlia grower. 
England and France grew mostly the large flower varieties : Victor Du dot, Virginelis, 
Vulkain, Phedre, Prince Broignard, L,e pere Coelesta, Mad. de la Marshal de McMahon, 
Mandarin, Roundhead, Leah, Prince of Wales, etc. On account of the rich colors and 
great giant body of their llowers, (Exhibition Dahlias,) they were well marked, al- 
though mostly of a roof-tile form, errorless, inclining to 
nod, late and not bearing flower blossoms; grew vigorous 
and robust in leaf and stem, but were tall and bushy 
when grown. Therefore, we can say that the Ger- 
man Dahlia, with its elegant low bush and many per- 
fect flower forms, is handsome to look upon, especially 
when carried on a high, upright or horizontal slender 
stalk, which, only like a lady who is timid, is necessary to 
grasp it under the chin in order to lift its head. When in 
early summer its rich blooms reach the highest point of 
its perfection, it remains for German industry and 
energy the best proof and undenied result to be the re- 
presentative of Kcestritz. One may look for and obtain 
the old Dahlia from 2 meters high to only a half meter, 
which as a dwarf bedding Dahlia is possessed of a pre- 
eminence and luxuriance of growth, and through its 
terseness and self dependent habit, makes a good impres- 
sion before the eyes. It would, no doubt, be preferred 
mainly for pot culture, as for Georginan groups at garden 
entrances, border beds, •parks, grass plats, etc., as round 
Fio. 205. Dahlia tubers (root.) plats, stars in ornamental forms, planted in the foreground 
of thickets, or to lay out other garden groups, as, the nicest ornaments. Giant flow- 
ers, measuring 15 centimeters through and 8 centimeters high, to the smallest flower, 
resembling a Beilis perennis, with flowers from 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter, which, 
’ lastly, are named Liliput Dahlias, ( Pomponea petite fleur — Bouquet Dahlias,) whose 
extraordinary low figure, gracefulness of form, and elegance of growth, were filled 
with the largest of blooms, harmoniously covered with a dense bush. These charm- 
ing flowers are also used for groups, pot culture, fresh and dried bouquets, and other 
decorations of inestimable value. Dahlia flowers from 6 to 15 centimeters in diame- 
ter and from 100 to 130 centimeters in height of bush are quoted extra in the Garden- 
ers’ Trade Catalogues, and are put under the head of large flowering Dahlias, (Ex- 
hibition-Dahlias,) which through their cleanliness and intensity of color, largeness 
of flowers, sparkle magnificiently, and possess lustrous advantages through the 
large unfolding of the bush, entwining itself amid strong growing plants, and occa- 
sioning only asmall loss in keeping over winter. Many large flowered varieties, with 
peculiar bright or clean white colors, are grouped singly, or as a center in ovals, 
sphericals, etc., and very effectful for low groups. As most of the small flower sorts in 
the growers’ gardens are recommended for low prices, they are really from 2 to 5 
centimeters in diameter, and are put under the head of Liliputians ; the dwarf sorts 
are also marked as low sorts, when the height of the bush should be from 40 to 90 
centimeters. Not only must the height of the bush be measured, but also the head 
of the flower. 
In all the imaginable shades and clean colors of blue-corn flowers the Dahlia now 
Note— 1 meter is 39 37-1 00th inches ; 1 decimeter, one tenth of a meter ; 1 centimete r, one hundretli part of a 
meter, and 1 millimeter is one thousandth part of a meter. 
