dry, cool cellar. They should not be allowed to shrivel. They should 
be separated just before planting, care being taken to have at least one 
eye to each tuber. Tubers without eyes may be thrown away as use- 
less. Plant but one tuber in a hill — its size makes little difference in the 
final development of the plant. 
A troublesome insect is the little greenish white fly or tlirips which 
operates on the underside of the leaves during July and August. By 
its destructive work the leaves curl and growth is retarded. Spray 
frequently on the underside of the leaves with solution of nicotine. 
This is not entirely effective, and I know of nothing which will abso- 
lutely control this pest. If any one in the Garden Club knows the 
remedy it would be a God-send to all lovers of this wonderful flower to 
have it widely published. It does its most injurious work during the 
months of July and August, when the vitality of the plant in this 
region is at its lowest ebb. I have observed that during favorable 
years when the plant can be kept growing and is vigorous, the injury 
done is not so great. Little injury is dohe by this insect after 
September ist. 
The Cultivation of Dahlias 
Mks. J. Horace Harding, Rumson Garden Club 
In Philadelphia lives a very noted Rosarian — Dr. Robert Huey — 
and, curiously enough, it was through him that I first learned to take 
an interest in Dahlias, for he grows them and loves them almost as 
ardently as his roses. 
One cultivates a Dahlia, and receives more satisfaction, in my 
opinion, than from any other flower. Roses are so difficult to culti- 
vate — so capricious — need such nurturing care: they have to be 
protected from so many pests and blights. Phlox seems to me to be 
one long struggle to keep it true to color; it does so love to be magenta, 
and is so horrid to look at in that unbecoming condition. Peonies are 
gorgeous — superb — but blossom so short a time. 
It is not the best praise, I know, to offer condemning comparisons 
to prove the value of an object praised, but I could not resist. The 
Dahlia grows easily in almost any soil — ^indeed, some one said it could 
grow in an ash heap — ;is attacked by comparatively few pests, and will 
blossom from July to heavy frost, if you plant it early enough. Of 
course, in making these general statements, I am not speaking of 
prize Dahlias; to grow the finest one must have carefully prepared soil. 
The Dahlia derives its name from the Swedish botanist, Dr. Dahl. 
It was first discovered in 1657, but was first grown as a double flower 
in 181 2, when it became immensely popular. 
12 
