A Practical Treatise on the Cultivation of the Dahlia. By
JOSEPH PsssroN, F.L.S., H.S. &c. The dahlia was discovered by RUMBOLDT, on the high sandy plains of Mexico, about 5,000 feet above the level of the sea. It was first introduced into this country some thirty years since ; but it is only within the last ten years that its cultivation became an object of great attention on the part of floriculturists; and such have been the results of care and experiment, that there are now about one thousand va- rieties; the best differing in price from one guinea to one shil- ling, accurding to their novelty, and the common sorts, being still cheaper, but looking very beautiful to those who have not
" Procured a taste to double the surprise, And gaze on dahlian charms with learned eyes."
These things, united with very little difficulty of cultivation, (apart from the preservation of its roots in the winter,) and a capability in the plant of blooming almost anywhere, have ren- dered the dahlia a universal favourite—popular, but not common. A treatise on its culture is therefore sure to be welcome; which tells us plainly and briefly how to manage, preserve, and propa- gate this plant ; describes what soil is best fitted for it, the aspect it loves, and in what way it may be planted out to make the best figure, together with rules for deciding upon the beauty of the flowers. The merit of aptness in this treatise is enhanced by that of soundness; Mr. PAXTON deducing his rules from expe- rience, and basing the whole upon Nature, whom he strives to follow instead of force. To all u ho would cultivate dahlias, or judge of them, this little volume will be a vaile-mecum. Whilst the country resident, however, may follow our author's directions for improving his soil, whether it be too close or too friable, too poor or too rich, and for growing his own plants or preserving them during the winter,—let us warn the city and suburban amateur, who is averse to trouble, against making compost-heaps upon a pigmy scale, or taking to breeding. If the soil of his miniature garden is unfitted for the plant, buy a few barrows-full from the nearest horticultulist : and let the plants die in the winter, if they list—he can purchase fresher and better at the first shop.
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