of its always luxuriant foliage of varying heights would be if 
sparingly and properly used in the wide flower border, particu- 
larly as it can be moved in raid-summer to fill bare spaces. The 
easy culture, lack of diseases and insect enemies and perpetual 
bloom of the improved varieties would be of great value in our 
gardens since these very qualities have led to the constant em- 
ployment of the poorer sorts in the hideous round beds at rail- 
road stations, cemeteries and public parks. 
The new giant-ilowered pale yellow shades are a delight in 
the heat of mid-summer — -used with blues and purples, think of 
being able to count on lovely clusters of color from the first of 
June until frost ! 
I have seen C annas very happily planted also on the borders 
of pools; they, like Callas, are thoroughly at home in a water 
picture. But whether or no one could find a place for this 
magnificent plant in the garden proper, no one can afford not 
to know it as a tub plant on the terrace or in an enclosed porch 
where the slight protection from wind and rain gives it a chance 
for the most perfect development and where it' blooms till 
Christmas — in a conservatory proper, the entire winter — and 
such a result for so little trouble ! 
Louise Crowninshield. 
North Shore Garden Club. 
(Carmas will thrive and bloom in any garden soil. Enrich the ground 
before planting, with plenty of well rotted stable manure. After they 
begin growing, top-dress frequently; they will respond very quickly to 
fertilization, provided it is accompanied with plenty of water. Poultry 
manure — one part to 4 parts soil, Avell mixed — is a favorite with Canna 
growers.) 
On the Dahlia 
Suggestions for the Amateur 
The Dahlia is a fascinating flower. If you want to know and 
enjoy at once its fascination just try raising some from seed this 
coming season. Sow a package or two of mixed Dahlia seed and 
you'll have such a variety of colors and types that it Avill amaze 
you, and if that corner of your garden does not act as a magnet 
to you during the flowering season, then you would better give 
up your garden and move into the city. 
Growing First obtain your seed from a reliable grower, and if you 
from seed have no better facilities such as a greenhouse for earlier sowing 
and handling the seedlings, sow the seed in light soil in shallow 
pans or boxes early in April, press the seed on the soil and then 
cover lightly ; keep the soil only moist — not wet — and place in 
a sunny window, though shade should be provided to keep the 
sun from drying the soil too quickly. When the seed germinates 
and shows the second leaf, transplant into other boxes about 
2 in. apart, lifting them gently with a pointed label. Later 
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