September 1. 1908 
, i hen 
ing every week until July 11, w. 
Pies macpatch of cutting, 25 plants, and 
eceived varisiieei wer set out. At 
i iting the only difference seen 18 
nee ae mented ones are shorter, but 
have stronger stems and larger flowers. 
our 
newly r 
lants were set out in the kitchen 
aed rows 4ft apart and 383ft be- 
Ben the plants. A strong plate was 
laced to each plant at once, and a good 
watering given to firm the soil aroun 
the roots. 
In a sheltered situation, if the plants 
wn to a single stem, and the main 
the roots deep enough in the 
Bee that the crown will be about 
3 in. below the surface, and draw a lit : 
of the soil around the plants at each 
hoeing. This I like better than COrerIng 
around the plants with litter ; but i g 
goil should be very light Sue no 
retain moisture properly, mulching 1s 
yery beneficial. 
nting Dahlias in beds the approx- 
Pe atant of each variety will have to 
be ascertained before planting ; placing 
the tallest growers in the centre, an 
finishing with the dwarfer varieties, 
and frequent stirring of the soil 
sane early Seth is indispensable to 
success; but as soon as blooming com- 
mences, simply stir the soil with a rake 
as too deep at this _period is apt te 
destroy the young feeding roots near the 
surface, that are needed for the develop- 
ment of the flowers. 
soil has been prepared before 
stags as advised, no ferfiliser should 
be given until the plants commence fo 
bloom; then scatter a little peneuee 
round the plants and work it into the 
soil. ‘The rains will work the fertiliser, 
down to the roots, and this will induce 
large and well formed flowers. 
ast season has been favorable 
Aueharaaeedl of Dahllias, as we have 
had an unusually cool summer and 
plenty or rain ; in fact, too much, as the 
lants have made a soft growth, and most 
of the early buds were blasted before de- 
yeloping, showing that too much water is 
injurious, toa certain extent. The roots 
being planted deep, as before stated, find 
plenty of water in the ground and do not 
require any watering ; but if the weather 
dbe dry at blooming time give a 
peniieatecin: not a mere sprinkling, and 
repeat it in two weeks if the drought 
wae h killed th 
on asthe frosts have kille C) 
Ace like the roots, shake off the 
\ adhering soil, allow the roots to dry in. 
i ' tore in a 
the air for a few hours, and s L 
frost-proof cellar, cover the roots with 
THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
ad 
try sand; or where there are only a few 
roets, store them in boxes or barrels, and 
sover with dry earth, or sand. 
The only disease that affects the Dahlia 
to any extent is mildew, which is mostly 
caused by climatic couditions. Keep the 
plants growing for frequent cultivation, 
and mlldew will be unknown. 
A very troublesome insect with us this 
year has been the small cucumber beetle, 
which feeds on the petals of the flowers. 
The only remedy for the pest that I know 
of is picking by hand. 
As to the best varieties to grow the 
grower must choose according to 
his fancy. There are hundreds of 
varieties to select from, aud new ones are 
still coming every year, so that it would 
be futile to name any special sorts. 
Visit the Dahlia exhibitions in Septem- 
ber, or better still, visit the establishment 
of some Dahlia grow r, and select the 
varieties that you think will suit your 
taste and purposes. 
GHO. TALT, 
Veterinary Surgeon, 
Horse Mouth Specialist, 
28 years Victorian Practice. 
OPERATIONS PERFORMED. 
ALL DISEASES TREATED. 
249 Rundle St., Adelaide. 
TELEPHONE 1,654. 
ST. ELMO, 
Dark Chestnut Stallion. 
14 Hands High, Plenty of Substance. 
Splendid Action. Good in all Harness. 
Is by Young Tipperary, by Tipperary 
from a Pawnbroker mare. Dam, Leah, 
by Sir Lucius C’ Trigger ; g dam, Lily, by 
Rushtroom (imp.); gg dam, Courad’e 
Mare. 
First Prize—Adelaide Show, September 
1906 
First Prize—Gawler Show, September 
1906. 
First Prize—Two Wells Show, Sept. 
1996. 
First Prize—Mount 
March, 1907. 
Barker. Show, 
Extract from “ The Register’:—Among 
an excellent lot of ponies Mr. A. Brown’s 
St. Elmo stood out prominently by 
defeating two hardened prizetakers in the 
entire class between 13.2 and 141 
hands. 
TERMS, £2 10s, payable on or before 
the last round, Groomage, 2s. 6d. 
A, BROWN, Proprietor. 
Tattersall’s Stables, Pirie Street, Adelaide. 
