The Popularity of Dahlias
THE old-time popularity of dahlias is being revived. The showy and fancy dahlias were formerly the most popular types, but at present the cactus varieties are leading. They are of the easiest culture, and yield a profusion of flowers, which are very useful for decorative purposes. Some of the newest varieties are Countess of Lonsdale, with dark blossom; Beatrice, white, with shaded center; Britannia; General French; Gloriosa, very dark; and Mrs. Frances Fell. Dahlia bulbs give better results when planted late than when set early in the spring. It will do to set them as late as the middle or last of June in the latitude of New York and Boston. Failure often comes from planting too early in May. The plants make a quick start, and in midsummer seem to be attacked by a blight, which gives them a setback, from which they often do not recover. The late-set bulbs seem to escape this, and usually give as early flowers, and of larger size and of better texture. They bloom profusely until frost kills the tops, when the stalks should be cut off and roots lifted, and after drying a few hours, stored in the cellar, either in boxes or in barrels, or on the cellar bottom. Care should be taken that they do not mildew and rot.—American Agriculturist.