This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 Excerpt: ...she lacked fragrance. She would be so happy and useful if this fault could be corrected. You know the bee is the happy guest of most flowers, but the dahlia was not attractive to them, though she waved her bright banners as they hummed by. There was a touch of pride in the single dahlia, for it had heard Burbank say to ...
Read More
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 Excerpt: ...she lacked fragrance. She would be so happy and useful if this fault could be corrected. You know the bee is the happy guest of most flowers, but the dahlia was not attractive to them, though she waved her bright banners as they hummed by. There was a touch of pride in the single dahlia, for it had heard Burbank say to a visitor one day, "I like single dahlias better," and touching the long, graceful stem, he added: "Se this stem; it is three feet long. I have worked a long time to give it this long and strong but slender stem." Some time after this, as he was passing the dahlia class, there came to him a faint fragrance, which was very sweet. He felt quite sure his hopes were coming true--that the dahlia would attain the perfume she so much desired, and be promoted to the class of fragrant flowers. He sought out the one flower that gave forth the fragrance, and guarded it until the seeds should ripen, which in due time were carefully planted. Some of the little seedlings gave from their first flowers a hint of perfume like the rich magnolia blossoms. These were carefully protected and cared for by the master. For several years he gave them special attention, selecting and planting only the seeds from the fragrant flowers. Finally the full reward came--the prayer of the dahlia was answered, for one had the full, sweet fragrance of the magnolia. The dahlia was thus given a rare and lasting perfume by selection alone, under the direction of a great, understanding mind. The verbena, which was scentless most often, but sometimes had an unpleasant odor, pleaded for fragrance, also. It was a lovable child otherwise, always clothed in dainty, delicate colors. At the close of a summer day, as Burbank was walking among his plant pupils, he paused...
Read Less
