These splendid plants are natives of Spanish Ame- 
rica, and though noticed by the Spaniards about the 
middle of the seventeenth century, did not attract 
much attention till they had flowered at Madrid, in 
1790, when Cavanilles described them in the first 
volume of his leones, published in the following year. 
In 1802, he sent plants to Paris, where they were 
successfully cultivated by Monsieur Thouin ; who, 
shortly afterwards, published coloured figures and a 
description of them. The first introduction of the 
Dahlia into England was, according to the Hortus 
Kewensis, by the Marchioness of Bute, in 1789, but 
the plants, it may be presumed, were soon lost. In 
1802 and 1803, others were sent from Paris; and in 
1804, seeds from Madrid; yet, for several years, 
they were scarcely heard of amongst us. Their habits 
being unknown, their increase was slow ; whilst on 
the continent, innumerable and splendid varieties 
were produced; so that after the peace, in 1814, 
they were poured upon us in all the variety of their 
present tints; exciting the astonishment of every 
beholder, and the joy of those who could number 
such beauties in their own collections. Since that 
time they have been rapidly increased and improved ; 
and England can now boast of superb varieties. 
Seedlings flower in the first season. Roots should 
be taken up on the approach of frost, and be kept in 
sand, in a cellar, till the beginning of April ; when 
they may be divided, for replanting; but a portion 
of the old stem, to secure part of the crown, should 
be retained to each division. Permit one shoot only 
to grow for flowering. Cuttings, planted in a shaded 
situation, grow very readily. 
Hort. Kew. 2. v. 5, 87. 
