244 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL, 
temperature, the action commences in the stem or above the 
roots, an abortive production of leaves or flower-buds is made, 
which, from the inaction of the roots and consequent want of 
food, after lingering for a time, necessarily wither and die. 
Hence the propriety of a gradual application of heat, that the 
excitement may begin at the proper place and be continuously 
increased until it reaches the perfecting point. 
The only other matter of consequence connected with the 
subject relates to the proper supply of water. This, as part of 
the stimulative system adopted in forcing, should be subject to 
the same rules which regulate the supply of heat; it should be 
given in the same limited manner at first, and increased with 
the increase of temperature resulting in a full supply every 
day at the period of blooming. It is only necessary to add, 
that a considerable diminution of both heat and moisture will 
be required immediately after the expansion of the flowers, in 
order to prolong their existence, and preserve their brilliancy; 
this is easily effected by the usual plan of removing them to a 
cooler place, where their loveliness will be more enjoyable than 
in the close humid atmosphere of a forcing-house. 
Ed. 
DISEASE IN DAHLIAS. 
Have you received intimation of the presence of a disease, 
similar to that of the potato, in the roots of the dahlia this 
season ? I was induced to examine mine about a month since, 
from the circumstance of a stem dying off here and there, and 
occasionally an entire plant, and found then that several of the 
tubers were infested with a gangrenous disease; and on a 
recent examination I perceive it has, in too many instances, 
extended throughout the whole root: do you believe it to be 
prevalent? and what remedy would you propose ? 
I have for several years past preserved mjr dahlias through 
the winter in a clamp, in the same manner that potatoes are 
kept, and have found them to do exceedingly well. Do you 
think it advisable to continue this plan with them in their pre- 
