98 THE FLORIST. 



able uncle the beadle had put him, in a slightly oblivious state 

 of whiskey, the result of a family wake, we can only wonder 

 how we got here. But, between Mr. M'Quade and ourselves 

 there is this slight difference — he could only remain and 

 wonder where he was ; we must as surely go on from where 

 we are. 



Yes, Gladiolus is the theme ; the rich, the bright, the 

 beautiful ; and very desirable plants they are for late summer 

 and autumn decoration, as that counterfeit presentment of the 

 fine variety facing page 1 of this present month's Florist, 

 done by Andrews in his best style, tells plainly enough. 



Bertha Eabourdin's the name ; and know, O gentle reader, 

 that her birthplace was France. When men can forget Water- 

 loo and Sebastopol, and interchange such gentle courtesies as 

 always accompany flowers, what may we not hope for. 



We singled out the subject of our present plate from a 

 number of other equally beautiful Gladioli sent to the Crystal 

 Palace Flower Show last autumn by Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, 

 who, we believe, grows them largely. The collection as a 

 whole was gorgeous, and attracted much attention. 



For border decoration they are admirably adapted, especially 

 if placed where they can be backed by and mixed with ever- 

 greens. As cut flowers, too, they have much to recommend 

 them. If a spike, the lower flowers of which are just beginning 

 to open, be cut, and placed in water, the whole will expand 

 successively, equally well with those remaining on the plant. 

 Their culture, too, is very easy, A light sandy soil and leaf- 

 mould suits them best. 



With a list of some good varieties at the end of this article, 

 we print an extract from Mr. Standish's Catalogue, giving 

 hints for their out-door treatment. If required to bloom 

 earlier, they may be potted in February, sheltered in a cold 

 frame, and planted out when the frost is gone. They also may 

 be grown wholly in pots, and very handsome they are so 

 treated. Mr. Standish says : — 



" To grow these very handsome plants in perfection, the 

 bulbs should be planted in a light sandy soil ; if very poor a 

 little leaf-mould may be added, but no dung. If the above 

 cannot be had, and the soil is a stiff loam, one-half should be 

 burnt and thoroughly broken to pieces, and mixed with the 

 other, which will grow them well. The bulbs should be planted 

 not earlier than the middle of April, nor later than the last week 

 in May ; and when ripe, which will be from the beginning to 

 the end of October, they should be taken up and dried off 

 rather quickly (or, like Onions, they are apt to turn mouldy 

 at the roots), after which place them in thoroughly dry sand 

 in a cool dry situation, away from frost, until plantiDg time." 



