SUMMEE MEETING. 99 



Some species have been cultivated for a long period in our flower 

 -igardens, and both introduced aud modern varieties from them are pop- 

 ular and ornamental, and have become a general favorite. By cultiva- 

 tion the varieties have greatly multiplied in number and improved in 

 fiize and quality, as well as marvelously varied in color. 



French florists, a few years since, introduced novel varieties, but 

 now the English florists are superseding them. The stately habits and 

 rich glowing colors of the modern Gladiolus render them exceedingly 

 valuable as a decorative plant during the summer months ; they are 

 very desirable and useful for room decorations, for the blossom lasts 

 fresh for several days, and the undeveloped buds open in succession, 

 if stalks are kept in water. It may be planted any time from May to 

 middle of July, and will bloom the same season; plant where there will 

 be plenty of sunshine, and place bulbs from six to eight inches apart 

 and from two to four inches deep, according to size of bulb. They 

 thrive well in almost any soil. 



The Tuberose is a native of Mexico, and one of the most beautiful 

 and fragrant of the summer bloomers. It sends up a stem about 3 feet 

 high ; it has a flower about one and one-half inches long, with a long 

 tube and a six-parted limb. The flowers are waxy white and cream, 

 and very sweet-scented. It is successfully grown in the United States. 

 It requires warmth at all times and is fond of light. To grow, start 

 bulbs in March or April indoors, and as soon as the ground becomes 

 warm plant outside, or plant bulbs in open ground as soon as the frost 

 is thoroughly out of the ground. 



The Dahlia is also a native of Mexico and has for many years been 

 3i favorite late summer and autumn bloomer. It is of various colors, 

 and is in its glory when everything else has faded or is fading, for it 

 surrenders only to King Frost. It is well to start them indoors by the 

 iSrst of April, and then plant out as soon as the frost has passed. The 

 soil should be rich, as the Dahlia is a strong feeder and rank grower. 



The Dahlia and all tall growers should be fastened to stalks, or 

 support of some kind which will prevent their blowing down by strong 

 winds. 



The Cannas are plants of various shades of green, purple and 

 bronze, and produce wonderful tropical effects. They are among the 

 grandest of bedding plants now seen. Some are especially noted for 

 their foliage, while some special ones are noted for their great beauty 

 and size of flowers, as well as handsome foliage. 



The Oalladium is a large, showy foliage flower, with immense 

 flower. 



