1871. ] 
THE BEST DAHLIAS FOR EXHIBITION. 
llo 
after the twentieth of the month, most things, if properly hardened off, may be 
planted out. Plant deeply, and then the roots will soon strike down deeply, if there 
be proper depth of soil. If the weather be dry at the time of planting, the plants 
should be kept freely watered until they get well established. Towards the end 
of the month commence planting out in beds and mixed borders Tender Annuals ; 
sow Mignonette, Sweet Peas , Nasturtiums , Lupins, and Hardy Annuals of sorts; 
sow also both Biennials and Perennials. Rake beds and borders to give a nice 
appearance, keep grass and gravel walks in good order, mowing the grass weekly 
and frequently sweeping the gravel when dry, and rolling it after rain.—M. Saul, 
Stourton. 
THE BEST DAHLIAS FOR EXHIBITION. 
is very gratifying to see that noble flower, the Dahlia , becoming more 
popular than it has been for many years past. The exhibition held by 
the Metropolitan Floral Society last autumn, when upwards of two 
^ thousand blooms were staged, fully proves that if this Society is well 
supported and well-managed, it may do much to revive a taste for florists’ 
flowers; and then we may hope that not only this, but other flowers also, 
may receive a much greater share of public favour and encouragement than they 
have done of late years. 
The varieties of Dahlia are so very numerous, that it is often a matter of diffi¬ 
culty, especially to amateurs, to make a selection. As a guide for cultivators of 
this class, I have very carefully made up the following list, into which I have 
admitted none but the very best flowers, those that are most constant, and 
possess every qualification for exhibition purposes:— 
John Kirby (May).—Buff yellow, fine, con¬ 
stant flower. 
Lady Derby. —Blush, with purple tip, fine 
shape. 
Julia Wyatt (Keynes).—Creamy white, 
large, and fine. 
Toison d’Or (Turner).—The finest yellow 
Dahlia raised, perfect in form, and very con¬ 
stant. 
Mrs. Bek ford (Keynes).—Blush, high centre, 
large and deep. 
Lord Derby (Pope).—Rosy crimson ; a large 
noble show flower. 
Mrs. Brunton (Eckford). — Pure white 
ground, heavily laced with deep purple. 
Sam Naylor (May).—Buff, fine outline, and 
a good flower. 
Mrs. Henshaw (Henshaw).—White, large, 
full, and constant; extra fine. 
Paul of Paisley (Keynes).—Lilac, high 
centre, and deep. 
Vice President (Keynes).—Bright orange ; 
very fine. 
Flag of Truce (Wheeler).—Pure white, 
occasionally tipped with lilac; fine, and very 
constant. 
Chairman (Turner).—Yellow buff; very fine. 
Harvard (Turner).—Delicate pink, of the 
most exquisite shape, great depth, fine habit, 
and constant. 
Mrs. Watts (Parker). — Pale ground, 
slightly tipped with purple, fine shape. 
Charles Backhouse (Godwin).—Scarlet, finest 
shape. 
Annie Neville (Keynes).—White ; fine. 
Rose Unique (Turner).—A rose Lord Derby, 
fine build and floret; very constant. 
Fair Imogene (Fellowes).—White, delicately 
shot with lavender, large, and fine. 
Gipsy King (Hopkins)—Mulberry, now in 
colour; good. 
Royalty (Rawlings).—Yellow, with dark 
centre ; good, early. 
Unique (Turner).—White, with picoteo edge 
of purple ; very fine shape. 
Heroine (Keynes).—In the style of Jenny 
Austin ; fine. 
Adonis (Fellowes).—French white, tipped 
with lilac rose ; fine shape. 
High Sheriff (Fellowes).—The darkest 
flower in cultivation, nearly black. 
Pretender (Keynes).—Lilac, large. 
