THE AMATEUR S FLOWER GARDEN. 
181 
depth of two feet. Then plant carefully, filling in round the 
plant with fine earth, and drive down a strong stake behind 
the plant about four inches distant from it. Finally drive in 
two shorter and lighter stakes in front of the plant, about 
eighteen inches distant from the stake in the rear, to form a 
triangle. As soon as the plant is tall enough tie it to the main 
stake, and pass the matting on either side of the plant to the 
stakes in front to form a sort of cage. The farther tying will 
be a very simple matter. In dry weather copious supplies of 
water must be given, and by the middle of July the roots 
should be mulched with good half-rotten manure. The ear¬ 
wig will now begin to make its mark on the plants and must 
be trapped. For this purpose there is nothing to equal small 
flower-pots, each containing a bit of dry moss or hay, and 
mounted on the top of the principal stake above the plant. 
Dahlias vary very much in growth, and therefore need varia¬ 
tions of treatment. Those that make over-much growth must 
be thinned so as to allow free access of light and air to the 
principal branches. Those that present a great number of 
flower-buds must be disbudded in order that the flowers may 
be of good quality. In removing shoots pinch them out when 
very young; and if uncertain about the extent of thinning 
required, take care to err on the side of leaving the plants 
rather too crowded, than to reduce them in a degree detrimental 
to their vigour. The shading, dressing, and exhibiting of the 
flowers are subjects that do not properly claim attention here, 
but we subjoin a list of first-class varieties that are likely to 
be considered good until 1880, and perhaps a year or two 
beyond. 
snow DAHLIAS.—BEST FIFTY. 
Light: Julia Wyatt , Mrs. Brunt on, Hon. Mrs. Wellesley , 
Unique, Queen of Beauties, Heroine, Dawn, Mrs. Dodds, Miss 
Henshaw, Peri, Anna Keynes , Alexandra, Princess, Harriet 
Tetterell , Play of Truce, Adonis, Heby, Lady Derby, Caroline 
Tetterell. 
Yellow and Orange: King of Primroses, James Hunter, 
Samuel Naylor, Chairman, Hugh Miller , Mr. Boshell , Charles 
Turner , Fanny Purchase, Leah, Lady M. Herbert,Vice-President, 
Loyalty, Toison d'Or . 
Crimson and Red: Mr. Dix, Triomphe de Pecq, British 
Triumph, Bob Ridley, Sir Greville Smythe, Aristides. 
