all the buds except one and take off all the side 
branches on each of the main stalks, leaving- the last 
two near the base of the stalks so when you cut your 
first flower you will have two canes to work on next. 
If tall plants are wanted, cut off all but one stalk and 
keep tied up to stake. 
Cultivation and Fertilization 
Cultivate well until buds appear, then stop all cultivation 
except light raking after rain or watering, just enough 
to break the crust of ground; only be sure and do this. 
Fertilizer may be used to advantage when the buds 
appear. Spread manure or the following fertilizers 
from 6 to 18 inches around the plants. For each ten 
plants use Rawbone Meal IV 2 lbs., 4 lbs. sheep manure, 
and about 5 lbs. of unbleached wood ashes. Rake in 
well and water liberally. This is usually done about the 
15th of August and will help to produce large blooms 
and good roots. A good liberal watering as soon as this 
is done will insure success. Unless weather is very dry 
and hot, do not begin watering until buds appear, then 
soak the ground thoroughly (not sprinkle) about once 
a week or ten days. Cut off all faded flowers with as 
much of the stalk as you can. 
Insects 
A good spraying of the plants and under side of the leaves 
with a pyrethum or nicotine spray will keep control of 
the insects. I prefer pyrethum as it does not burn 
the plants. 
If bothered by cut worms or slugs, cut a piece of tarred 
paper 3 inches wide by 10 to 12 inches long, form 
collar and place around plant, 1 inch below and 2 
inches above the ground. A good spraying of the plants 
early in the season will control insects. 
Cut Flowers 
For cut flowers, pick in the evening or early morning if 
possible; burn the ends of stems in any flame, or dip in 
boiling water for 10 seconds; after either treatment 
place in cold water and put in cool place free from 
draft until wanted. To restore wilted blooms, fresh 
water and cutting off the base of stems daily usually 
proves best. A little ice in the water also helps. 
Digging and Storing 
When frozen down in Autumn, cut stalks off at the 
ground and dig carefully so as not to break neck of 
tuber, for the eyes for next season’s growth are only 
found where the tuber joins the stalk. Store same as 
potatoes where they will not freeze, shrivel or rot. 
Best temperature, 40 to 50 degrees. Turn the clump 
upside down to drain out any moisture that may stait 
decay and when dried about two weeks I have best suc¬ 
cess packing them upside down in wooden boxes with 
a sheet of paper over top. 
I am always pleased to answer any questions regarding 
Dahlia culture. 
CLASSIFICATION OF DAHLIAS 
Formal Decorative Dahlias (F. D.l 
Fully double flowers, with the margins of the floral rays 
slightly or not at all revolute, floral rays generally 
broad, either pointed or rounded at tips, with outer 
floral rays tending to recurve and central floral rays 
tending to be cupped; all floral rays in a somewhat reg¬ 
ular arrangement. For example, £>agampre, Jersey 
Beauty, Mrs. I. de Ver Warner. 
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