Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 November 1884 — A Fortune from a Flower. [ARTICLE]

A Fortune from a Flower.

The gorgeous dahlias are of Mexican origin. They were first introduced into Germany by Dahl; their name was then “Bidens Magnifica;” afterward they were called dahlias, in honor of the man who found them. They were, when discovered, quite single, having only one ray of petals about a golden disk; the colors were scarlet, yellow, and white, the latter being distinct frbm the others, having smaller flowers, and being of a dwarf habit, with leaves much_divided and fern-like in, character. The English were the first to attempt the doubling of the dahlia, which was prized by royalty, and so jealously guarded that those in charge of them were sworn to secrecy as to their cultivation ; it was considered a great privilege even to see them growing. In a few years semi-double flowers appeared, and ultimately the perfect double dahlia was obtained, which sold for 5 guineas a plant. One grower netted £26,000 in two years from his crop.— New York Post. The Mason & Hamlin Upright Pianos are pronounced to be, like the organs of the same company, the best of their kind. The refinement and purity of tone attained in them are especially commended.— Boston Journal.