Dahlias and Their Cultivation - A Practical Treatise on the History, Culture, and Propagation of the Show, Fancy, Cactus, Pompon, and Single Dahlias for Exhibition and Garden Decoration; With Hints on Staging and Judging the Flowers, A... #226710

Whatever may be said in depreciation of the double dahlia in the matter of lack of refinement, there is one thing certain, it is pre-emmently a show flower. It is, in comparison to the rose or carnation, what the ruddy-faced country maiden is to the Venus de Milo but its mechanical symmetry, so dis tasteful to the artistic feeling, is in many a dahlia judge's estimation a point in its favour. Its large size, rich and varied colours, together with its comparative adaptability to a smoky atmosphere, make it a great favourite amongst dahlia showers in the North. It will not be long either before it again pushes itself into fashion.