THE 
HORTICULTURAL REGISTER. 
October 1st, 1831. 
PART I. HORTICULTURE, &c. 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
Article I. — On the CuHiirc of the Dahlia. By Jose;ph 
Harrison, Gardener to the Rt. Hon. Lord Wharndiffe, 
and one of the Conductors of this Magazine. 
•&' 
Thb Dahlia is certainly one of the most splendid plants in creation ; — 
for whether the hrilliancy and variety of colours in the flowers, the 
extent of its varieties, the duration of its blooming, or its majestic ap- 
pearance when in perfection, be considered, it stands in each particular 
unrivalled, and merits a situation in every garden, from the palace to 
the cottage ; and it is an additional recommendation, that it is easy of 
propagation and cultivation. 
The best mode of treatment practised with the Dahlia, has repeatedly 
been requested through the medium of pubUcations ; and although I am 
not vain enough to think the method 1 pursue is the best in operation, 
yet, having been so successful as to flower the plants to the satisfaction 
of hundieds of persons who have viewed them, I venture, in a plai» and 
brief manner, to give a detail of my practice ; in doing which, 1 shall 
state the mode I have adopted in raising a number of handsome seedlings, 
as well as the subsequent culture. 
New varieties are raised from seed, and with a view to raise the best 
and particular kinds, I have recourse to artificial impregnation. With a 
small pointed camel's-hair pencil, I take the farina from one flower to 
another. If I have a handsome compact flower, that I am desirous of 
Improving in colour or size, I have recourse for farina from one of the 
colour or form I desire ; as it is very nearly to be calculated what a mix- 
ture of any two sorts will produce. The flowers 1 intend to impregnate 
upon, I cover with a fine gauze bag, a day or two before the florets ex- 
pand. When the first and second tier of florets are expanded, I then 
Vol. I, No. 4. V 
