OF THE DAHLIA 
to feel that when he receives big tubers he is getting 
more for his money, and will have more vigorous plants, 
and that he is unfairly dealt with when the grower sends 
him small roots. Yet the grower cannot force nature. 
Among apples the Russet, and the Ben Davis do not 
reach the size of the Twenty Ounce Pippin. The 
Seckel pear never approaches the Bartlett in size. In 
fact a very large, a monstrous dahlia tuber, should 
never be planted. Many of these gigantic growths are 
two years old, and will continue to increase in size if 
planted. The food for the plant is drawn from the 
soil by the roots of this immense tuber and some of it 
is absorbed by the tuber, causing it to increase in size, 
instead of nourishing the growing plant above ground. 
Very few new tubers are formed for the next season's 
planting. The big tuber can be planted if at least two 
thirds of it is cut off and thrown away. One third, next 
to the sprout, will keep the sprout alive and nourish it 
until roots for the new plant form. The new roots will 
have to work for a living, a fine plant will result, with 
an abundance of blooms and a splendid clump of new 
tubers to be harvested. 
One of the prominent growers in this country sends 
out with his roots this pleasant message: "If you have 
good luck with your dahlias tell me so. I like to know 
that you are pleased. If you do not succeed be sure to 
tell me that, for there is a reason, and I may be able to 
advise you concerning it." The reason will probably 
