This is probably the only book of its kind on the subject. Much has 
been -written of Dahlias, and many are the opinions thereon; but this 
is the first time which the most marvelous of all flowers has had a 
whole book devoted to it alone. 
Covering a period of some three hundred years, a few pages gives 
the history of the Dahlia. It then describes the evolution through 
hybridization from the modest single flowers of the Mexican plateaux 
to the gorgeous blooms of the present day. 
The classifications of the National Dahlia Society differ shghtly 
from that of the American Dahha Society. Our Cactus class is already 
divided in two parts — Cactus and Hybrid Cactus — and there is some 
talk of dividing the Decorative class in a similar manner. The 
National Dahha Society, however, ignores this subdivision. 
Many of the varieties hsted are strangers to us, and some I know 
do not do as well here as in the cool, damp climate of Great Britain. I 
remember the remark of a visitor to one of our shows some years ago 
Avhen he beheld that most popular Enghsh Cactus Dahlia,' Glory of 
Wilts, ''Well, that Dahlia was well named!" 
While cultural directions given can be followed in a general way, 
climatic differences between Great Britain and America should 
always be taken into consideration. As a handbook it is nevertheless 
most valuable, and ever\^ Dahlia grower should have a copy in his 
library. Henrietta M. Stout. 
*Colour in the Flower Garden, by Gertrude Jekyll. Country Life 
Library. 
On one of the wise pages of this book. Miss Jekyll observes that 
"All gardening involves constant change." Well for us that the same 
is not true of all gardening books; for here is one to live as it is for 
decades to come. It is difficult to speak in moderate terms of a work 
like this. It represents the highest achievement in the gardening art. 
It leads the entranced reader to believe that he or she can also create 
pictures in flowers. I beheve I am right in thinking that this volume of 
Miss Jekyll's was the first to lay before an EngHsh-speaking pubhc 
the matter of colour-arrangement in the garden at such length and with 
such fulness of detail; certainly it has become a vade mectim- for all who 
would create pictures in growing flowers. The measured tone of the 
book, the clear fine style, the absence of the unessential word, especial- 
ly of the adjective, all this adds to its soundness as a guide. It seems 
to me a sort of double triumph in garden books because of this re- 
straint of manner. I myself approach the subject of flowers, whether 
planning, planting, gathering or writing, in a sort of happy tumult; and 
I marvel at the atmosphere of balance in Miss Jekyll's writing. It is 
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