Red spider can never appear if overhead watering 
is practiced. When it does come, flower of sulphur is 
the remedy. Many of the best Dahlia growers sprinkle 
their Dahlia plants nearly every night in hot weather 
to keep all insect pests away, but do not sprinkle after 
October 1 st. 
To have large blooms it is absolutely necessary to 
disbud, leaving only one bud to each shoot. But, when 
cutting the flowers, be sure to leave two young sprouts 
near the base of each stem, so as to insure a new crop 
of blooms. Dahlias will continue to bloom until the 
frost kills the tops. Then dig the roots and store them 
in a dry cellar or basement, cover them with dry sand, 
soil or sawdust, to keep them from shriveling. Divide 
the roots in the spring after the eyes show plainly, 
being careful that each root division has an eye. Cover 
them again and keep dry until planted. 
HOW TO KEEP CUT BLOOMS OF DAHLIAS. 
Cut the flowers in the evening if possible, and before 
the pollen has too well developed. Burn the ends of 
the stems on a gas flame; or better still, for exhibition 
purposes, dip ends of stems in boiling water for about 
12 seconds and immediately plunge in fresh cold 
water. Leave in cool place or out of doors for the night. 
Should Dahlias be picked in the day time, put the 
stems in a pitcher containing three inches of boiling 
water and leave there for 1 5 minutes. Then remove to 
a deep vase of fresh, cold water. The less foliage the 
better. Wilted flowers may often be revived in the 
same manner. 
We invite inquiries from beginners relating to 
the culture of Dahlias. What experience we have 
gained as commercial growers in the past twenty years 
is at your service. We will appreciate your order and 
please remember that everything you purchase from 
us is guaranteed to give absolute satisfaction. 
KEY ROUTE HTS. NURSERY CO. 
3852 LOMA VISTA AVENUE 
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, U. S. A. 
LIMITED SPACE only permits us to print a few excerpts of 
the many letters we receive yearly from satisfied customers through¬ 
out the country. 
Wheeling, West Virginia. 
This was my first season to try your pot-grown Dahlia roots 
and to say they were satisfactory is putting it mildly. In every 
way they were the best stock I have in my plot this year. 
“T. A. C.” 
Hailey, Idaho. 
I received the Dahlia plants a few days ago and they came 
through in wonderful condition. I am more than pleased with all 
the Dahlia plants and roots that I have bought from your house in 
the last two years. “F. W. W.” 
Clayton, Missouri. 
It is with pleasure that I thank you for shipment of roots 
received. The lot arrived in excellent condition. You may rest 
assured we will remember you on future orders. “M. W. F. Co.” 
Auburn, Rhode Island. 
Dahlia plants received. They were on the way just five days. 
I wish to say that it would be almost impossible to procure as good 
plants, or have them as well packed. “W. S.” 
Detroit, Michigan. 
The Dahlia roots I received from you arrived in excellent con¬ 
dition, I am well pleased with the quality of the shipment. I can 
certainly recommend you to any prospective buyers. And I also 
want to thank you very kindly for the extras. *‘R. J. W.” 
