PREFACE
MANY years ago, or to speak more exact, in the year 1881 , the author began his life study with the Dahlia as a subject. He entertained but little thought however, at that time, that he would ever be known among the commercial growers of the world, and still less thought that he would ever become the author of a modest little book. As a boy, he was captivated by the wiles of the Dahlia while looking at some fine blooms in a neighboring yard — a simple act, yet a life work grew out of it. tJFor a number of years his work with the Dahlia was confined to growing for pleasure only. His chief de- light, then as now, was in originating new varieties from seed. Gradually this work led to commercial growing. qin the following pages the aim will be to present such information as is commonly needed in successful Dahlia culture. This work is in no sense an advertising medium, neither will it attempt to cover all the field in minute detail. Conditions are almost as varied as localities, and any attempt to furnish rules and instructions that will apply under all these various conditions is beyond human reach. It will therefore be obvious to the reader that specific information is to be operative only so far as climatic and other conditions may render them of practical value.
W. W. WILMORE.
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