OFTHEDAHL1A 43 
plant life. When dahlias are moved from their happy 
California home, for example, to the sterner realities 
of existence found in the eastern United States, it is not 
at all surprising that they sometimes disappoint the ex- 
pectant grower. But the dahlia is amazingly accomo- 
dating and willing, and if frustratingly homesick the 
first year, will often cheer up during the second season 
and do itself as proud and seem as much at home as if 
on the Pacific Coast. California grown tubers that dis- 
appoint eastern growers the first year often become well 
acclimatized the second season. Failure the first sum- 
mer should not discourage any one. Carefully harvest 
the tubers. The next year may bring success. 
For the older sorts, that are still exceedingly 
desirable, the beginner has the advantage of catalog 
descriptions, written after years of experience. When 
a sort is recommended without any reservations, as an 
unfailing bloomer, adapted to any and every soil, it is 
pretty safe to invest in that variety. In fact, since it 
does take "one voyage to learn," the beginner should 
gain his first-hand dahlia experience with varieties that 
are approved as reliable anywhere. Often growers 
recommend "Collections." The beginner cannot do 
better than buy these. All his attention can then be 
devoted during his first year to straightforward growing 
without the vexing distractions of "shy bloomers" 
and other dahlia idiosyncrasies. Varieties warranted 
to be certain bloomers and sun-resisting are excellent 
