THE MANUAL OF GARDENING. 
84 
will grow, and it will then be requisite to prune off all the side 
branches, preserving only the main stem, with a bushy head ; by 
which means large and fine flowers are to be expected : others 
prefer three stakes, placing them in an angle, one on the south- 
east, and another on the north-west side, in which direction the 
strongest winds occur. The stake must be driven deep into the 
ground, and the branches of the plant supported to or round them 
by pieces of bass : some surround the plant by hoops made fast to 
three stakes, and this method looks neat and pretty. Whatever 
plan is adopted, one thing is certain, the Dahlia must be well 
supported, or it will be torn down by the autumnal winds, just 
as it promises to reward all your care by exhibiting its beautiful 
flowers. The stakes must be placed in early, before the new 
tubers are formed, which would otherwise be liable to damage, 
and they should be placed as near the main stem as convenient. 
As the plants grow, the redundant shoots should be pruned away 
before they grow any size, the amount of pruning being regulated 
by the wish of the person, as to whether he requires a great 
number, or prefers fine and large flowers. 
Immediately that the first frost has touched the leaves, or the 
flowers have ceased to be good, cut down the stem of the plant 
to within a few inches of the ground, cover the roots carefully 
with straw, ashes, pea-straw, or any similar thing, and let them 
stand till near the end of November, to mature their tubers and 
gain their strength. Choose, if possible, dry weather to take up 
the roots, stand them separately in a sheltered place, and dry 
them gradually; then keep them carefully from frost, damp, or, 
heat: the two first would cause them to rot, the latter to shrivel 
up. 
The following are some of the most esteemed varieties. 
Those marked * are American seedlings, raised by Mr. Schmitz 
of Philadelphia, one of the most successful and enthusiastic cul- 
tivators of this beautiful plant. 
Alexander — orange height 5 ft. 
America — fine purple “ 5 
Argo — bright yellow “ 6 
* Beauty of Philadelphia — yellow tipt with rose “ 5 
Beauty of England — white edged with crimson “ 4 
Blandina — delicate white “ 5 
Bride — blush tipped with rose “ 4 
Cleopatra — fine white “ 4 
Coronation — crimson shaded with purple. ... “ 5 
* Colombus — rosy crimson “ 5 
Duke of Richmond — bronzy pink “ 5 
Duchess of Richmond — orange and pink. ... “ 5 
Elizabeth-— white with purple edges “ 4 
