DAHLIAS6B.

The Dahlia.

This interesting class of flowering plants derives its name from Dr. Andrew Dahl, a noted Swedish botanist. The wild Dahlia is found only in Mexico and South America. There are but few species, perhaps twelve; but these have been pro- pogated into a seemingly endless number of varieties. Just who should have the honors for first introducing the Dahlia as a domestic flower is a question upon which the authorities differ, but it is generally conceded that the first collection was sent to Madrid by Baron Homboldt who was traveling in Mexico. They were first introduced into England in 1789 by the Marchioness of Bute, but they were grown in France and Spain several years prior to this; this collection together with another received in 1804 were lost. Another lot was imported in 1815 and from this collec- ' tion most of the Dahlias of the present time have been propigated. The flowers embrace all colors excepting blue. In their native state they are single.

Cultivation.

The Dahlia is one of the easiest of all plants to cultivate, it will thrive well in any ordinary garden soil, but is improved greatly by a careful preparation of the soil by a thorough spading and a moderate quantity of manure. The bulbs should be planted three feet apart and four to five inches below the surface of the ground. The soil should then be pressed down firmly over the bulb. They should be planted about the first of May, the sprout will appear above the ground in about fifteen to eighteen ,days. The ground should be kept thoroughly cultivated until the flower buds appear, after this, liberal watering will be all they need. All varieties grow- ing above three feet high should be tied to stakes to prevent them from falling. As a rule Dahlias are true to color year after year, but occasionally a change of soil or climate will produce a variation in the color; some varieties are desirable because of this capricious tendency.

WinTeER Prorection.—As soon as the frost has killed the foliage the roots should be carefully taken from the ground and the soil shaken from among them; they may then be stored away in a cool place, not too dry, but secure from frost.

A Word to the Public.

While I am a lover of flowers, I make no claim to being a florist. Some ten years ago, in connection with my other business, fruit growing, I began to grow Dahlias as an amusement, especially the propogation of new varieties. A demand was at once created. for the bulbs which has steadily increased until now I am grow- ing them extensively for commercial purposes. I have imported many varieties from England, most of which have done remarkably well. Flowers from the bulbs which I offer have twice taken the State premium. W. W. WILMORE.

DAHLIAS. The Splendid Display of W. W. Wilmore of Wheat Ridge.

[Denver Times Oct. 4th, 1892]

One of the most interesting places to visit around Denver is the flower gar- dens of W. W. Wilmore, on Wheat Ridge. By those who have been out there it is claimed to be the finest sight of the kind that they have ever witnessed in their lives. This statement has reference to the gorgeous display of Dahlias, of which Mr. Wilmore has two hundred separate varieties. A few days ago a reporter for the Times went out to Mr. Wilmore’s gardens to investigate, and at once came to the conclusion that the statement wasin no wise overdrawn when it is said that it is the finest collection of Dahlias in the United States. There is an acre or more of them, combining the most delicate, rich and beautiful colors and shades imaginable. The most of the bulbs are imported from England, which, Mr. Wilmore says, pro- duces the finest flowers of that specie in the world. The gardens are situated about two miles west of Elitch’s gardens.

GENERAL LIST. Show and FPancvyv Varieties.

Price: 15¢ each; $1.50 per dozen.

gotta ‘EET. Altus, Purple, variegated with white 3

A Bichman, Pink, plant small, a pro-

The set of 31 varieties, $3.50.

HEIGHT EET.

FE Henry Lee, Cardinal red, one of the largest in cultivation............. 3

fupeiblGomens acess okeneue ons ce 14 | Jefferson. Maroon, fine form........ 6 Alta. Bright lemon yellow......... 4 | London Beauty. Rich purple ...... 3 Adonis, Variable pink, an early and May Eustice (Queen of Dahlias). Red,

profuse bloomer, should be in every occasionally variegated with white. 5

collection, (mew)... rm oticde. tea 3 Midget. Crimson, varying to light red, Black Prince. Dark purple......... 3 (EWES icc cleans Se ee ee 2 Bon Maza. Variegated red and white, Monarch, Dark purple, very large... 6 Ry ravololksitlon ies ong on dee ete Alen 4 | Mrs, Wyndham. Variegated yellow Crimson King, Deep crimson....... } anal purples’. 2. eee oo a 24 Copper King, Copper red, a fine flow- Princess Matilda. Pure white, very TPM GMOW) besusrcis Mace dota nveFey nem a seevete),-iocere 34 BOI as one sainnid els ekinnieivs cy a'e 2 Dragon, Yellow, striped and flecked Bomes Bismark. Dark purple, extra 3 PVM ace wer: ski e etenaeiataesteeeee 38 | heat am het a Greeny ae ecergi ie Favorite. Maroon, occasionally tipped Queen of Pompons, Variable purple. 5 \ Ci cd sc enema ets ae tel 4 | Snow, Pure white flower, small, excel- Gypsy. Light red, blooms feeely, excel- lent for bouquets She Satcher nn 3 VSM LOT CUTIES cc ns re, cnsanciiets~ as 24 Stiietthan, ee purple, very large, Fs Goldfinder. Buff, tipped with cherry with perfect form’. . a) Se te DOCG rd widen RES ee Rea 3 | Snow Oloud. Pure white.......... 3 Gem, Fiery red, early and free, fine ce 3 Sport. Dark red, sometimes varying to : Glori de Lyon. Pure white, very large, light red, a very free bloomer, (new) 3 NGaUG))neticcu its austen eas Sa A 3 | Snow Fairy. White, should be pro- Ida Fischer, Pale pink, if grown in the tected from mid-day sun, (new)... 4 shade it will be pure white, one of T. H, Lowe, Light pink splashed GIVES Stretn ans aamoe NeeuaarG vere a cone 24 with deep pink, fine, (new) ....... 4

CAGTUS LIST.

The Cactus Dahlias are comparatively new. They are distinguished from the ordinary type by their broad, flat petals, which are sometimes twisted. They possess all the richness of color found in the other types, while they surpass them in point of usefulness. Forists now use the Cactus types almost exclusively for cutting purposes, where double flowers are used.

Price: 5c each; $1.50 per dozen. The set of 15 varieties, $1.60.

HEIGHT, HEIGHT, FEET. FEET.

Annie Harvey, Richcrimson maroon 3 Mrs. Hawkins, Straw, shading to

Cactus Queen (new). Pale pink suf- pink; has no superior............ fused with purple, very large...... 2 Patrick Henry. Pure white, the best

Cochineal (English). Vivid crimson, white dahlia in cultivation....... : 5 excellent tor cubtime,. oan + esi laa: 3 | Picta, Red striped orange, (semi-

Empress of India, Crimson maroon, a double) cee ASIII CIN COUNT NE roo 5 erand flower 7 | Vista, Pure white, early and free,

F ae, M AL: Pal to ah i : cai (GEM GHeIE Neca erie 4 annie Morrison. e pink, (semi oi | Wim Pontos, Orange yellow, fing cactus ) rete e nena pete tee eee + form, early and free; the best yellow

nana Bright crimson, fine form, A among the cactus varieties........ 4

UG ais win B04 mee are eis Seca aan W, HE Aber : Red, each petal edged

King of Cactus, Scarlet, very large, with are RAR Ee RETRO Rah oees | 92 ONO OTP MO MER tic. «cas aiuepandiavarseae’s aeueee 4 | Zulu, Darkest maroon, should be in

Lady Kerrison, Amber yellow...... 3 every collection: .......00020% oe 2

SINGLE DAHLIAS.

Price: 10c each; $1.00 per dozen.

This type has become very popular in the last few years. No flower gives. richer colors than is found in the Single Dahlia.

HEIGHT, HEIGHT, FEET. FEET, Butterfly, This variety embraces all Striped. White edged with crimson. 4 the combinations of red and yellow, Unnamed varieties in separate colors, it is quite a curiosity............. 2 | red, yellow, purple, lilac and old gold.

Norz,—I have many varieties, new and old, not in this catalogue, which I can furnish in limited quantities. Prices given above include postage.