clump and cut down with the spade all around it rather deep before lifting it out. 
This will cut the feed roots which may extend out as far as two feet from the stalk, 
and which might break some of the roots from the stalk if not cut. Any roots which 
are broken at the neck will probably not be any good the following spring. 
The clump may be allowed to stand for a while to dry out the dirt, which 
may then be shaken off gently. Or a gentle stream of water may be used to 
wash the clumps. The stalks should then be cut off close to the clump, and it is 
then ready to be divided or stored. 
A cool, not too dry, cellar is the best place for root storage, being sure it is 
frost proof. It does not need much below freezing to ruin Dahlia roots. Also 
dry warm air will cause the roots to dry out and shrivel up, so that most of them 
will not grow in the spring. 
In dividing the clumps, all that is necessary is to have an eye for each root 
saved, and these eyes are plainly visible at the time of digging, if one wishes 
to divide them then. This will do away with the possibility of stem rot, which 
sometimes spoils the entire clumps. Cut surfaces may be dusted or dipped in 
powdered lime or sulphur and the roots packed in boxes of fine sawdust or even 
dry dirt. The name of the variety may be written on the root with an indelible 
pencil, moistening the surface so the writing will be permanent. This avoids the 
possibility of lost tags and mixed-up varieties. 
Any special problems not covered will be gladly considered on request, and 
all available information thereto will be given. 

Cactus Semi-Cactus 
KEY TO TYPES 
Applying to large or Exhibition type Dahlias and Miniatures, Miniatures being 
listed separately. Large type over 4 inches, Miniatures under 4 inches. Some ‘‘Ball’’ 
types in both size classes. 
(FD)—Formal Decorative (1C)—Incurved Cactus 
(ID) —Informal Decorative (SC) —Semi-Cactus 
(C)—Straight Cactus (Ball) —Ball, or Show type 
Pompon Dahlias—A distinct type of petal formation in itself. 
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