each side of the clump to be dug can lift the clump out with less damage. Do not leave 
the clumps exposed to the sun or wind for more than a few minutes. If the clumps are 
too moist to store at once dry them off a bit in the shade or basement. Cut the stalk 
off to within a couple of inches of the crown. This largely helps to prevent stem rot 
later. Store the clumps in containers well lined with newspapers to keep out the air as 
much as possible. Keep the containers in a cool frost-proof basement. After the clumps 
have been stored for three or four weeks examine them for stem rot or other decay. If 
decay has set in leave them exposed to the air for a day. Splitting the clumps in two 
will help prevent stem rot. Trim out any decayed parts and dust with sulphur. A little 
sulphur sprinkled over the clumps when they are put in the containers will prove bene- 
ficial. If the clumps show signs of shriveling moisten them with a little water and add 
more covering. 
The clumps may be dividea at any time but it is best to wait until the eyes or 
sprouts show distinctly. Never plant the entire clump. For best results divide it so that 
there is but one sprout to each division. Usually good clumps will average four or more 
divisions. 
We will be glad to answer any further questions regarding these or any other 
phases of dahlia culture. OUR SERVICE DOES NOT END WITH THE SALE. 
How To Handle Cut Flowers So They Will Keep 
The life of dahlia blooms after they are cut may be very much prolonged by a few 
simple precautions taken at the time of cutting. 
First of all, cut only FULLY MATURED blooms. Flowers with a withered petal or 
two on the back will keep longer, under similar conditions, than young blooms. If 
desired, the withered petals may be picked, or cut off. Cut a longer stem than will be 
necessary in the vase or container, for which the flowers are wanted. 
Cut the flowers early in the morning before they start to wilt, or in the evening 
after they have revived from the effécts of the sun and winds of the day. Make the 
cut with a sharp knife so that the microscopic tubes in the stem, which supply water 
to the flower head, are not crushed. 
Flowers should be cut at least eight hours before it is planned to use them. As soon 
after cutting as possible, the stems should be placed in deep cool water in a cool, 
draughtless and dark part of the basement. When putting the flowers in water in the 
basement, it is to considerable advantage, to trim off an inch or two of the stem under 
water. This cuts off the portion of the stem into which air may have entered the micro- 
scopic tubes and choked off the supply of water passing up to the flower head. When 
the supply of water fails, of course the flowers wilt. 
After the period of “hardening” or ‘finishing’ in the basement, the flowers may be 
used for their intended purpose. In placing them in their permanent containers it is well 
to again trim off a small portion of the stem under water. In fact, this should be done 
each time the stem is out of water for more than a moment. Use only CLEAN water and 
CLEAN containers; factors which are important but often overlooked. Thereafter change 
the water once a day and trim off the stems. Set the containers out of direct sunlight 
and draughts. Follow the foregoing suggestions and you will find the dahlia a long- 
lasting flower. 
43 
