100 ARRANGEMENT. \_May. 
but they are overtaken with, perhaps, a hot dry summer, 
which "blights" the buds, and are more subject to the dis- 
ease called " curl ;" the young leaves, as they expand, are per- 
forated with numerous holes; the margins become brownish, 
as if burnt; they then become curled, placid, and the whole 
plant unhealthy and dwarfish. The principal stem ceases to 
grow, and numerous suckers and stems arise from below, 
forming a dense bush. The flowers of such plant, as might 
be expected, are small and irregular; and however excellent 
the variety may be, they yield nothing but disappointment 
to the anxiously expectant cultivator. This disease is caused 
by an insect, Cymix Chloroterus, or green bug. It inhabits 
the extremities of the Dahlia, and grows and feeds on the 
under surface of the young leaves, and in its destruction is 
aided by our frequently hot and arid months of July and 
August. Hence, the reason that the late planting gives 
most satisfaction, they are in these months in a rapid grow- 
ing state, and if attacked outgrow the effects, and push at 
once into bloom in the more moist and cooling month of 
September. The only remedy that is known for the above 
evil is, to look over the plants cautiously in the morning 
when the .first attacks are perceptible, and pick off the in- 
sects; it has to be approached with caution, as it instinctively 
throws itself down among the leaves if disturbed ; and if it 
escapes, it again climbs up, and commences its depredations. 
It is admitted that there are exceeding one thousand distinct 
named varieties now in cultivation, and it may be desirable 
to some that a select list of the choicest named sorts now in 
cultivation should be given : but such is the almost endless 
multiplicity of kinds, and such the numerous additions every 
year made, that in a few years those I may mention now as 
being fine will then most probably be considered wholly 
useless. However, for immediate profit and benefit, I re- 
commend the following : — 
PURE WHITE. 
Antagonist, Indispensable, 
Cheltenham Queen, Miss Pcreival, 
Mount Blanc, Princess Alice. 
