THE 



GARDENER 



MAY 1879. 



GLADIOLUS-CULTURE. 



HE Gladiolus as a florist's flower is of very recent date. 

 Very rapid strides have been made during the last 

 ten or a dozen years in bringing it up to its j)resent 

 standard, but the high prices which are charged for 

 many of these newer varieties have tended to keep 

 its cultivation in a somewhat backward condition. Like so many 

 hardy flowers which have been improved by cultivators — more 

 so than many — the Gladiolus deserves to hold rank amongst 

 the noblest, the most gorgeous, the most beautiful of flowers. 

 Amongst flowers of the same typical character, there is none that 

 excels it, none its equal. But it is seldom seen grown equal to 

 its deserts. Not unfrequently cultivators in esse, when purchasing, 

 give their order under the express condition of obtaining the great- 

 est possible number of corms, and in the greatest possible number of 

 varieties. An order given and executed under such conditions is 

 certain to include many sorts which will not give satisfaction. It is 

 infinitely better to limit the number of varieties, and grow several of 

 each of these, than to go in for variety at the expense of quality. The 

 pride which many — may I say all of us? — feel in having a great number 

 of varieties of particular plants under our own care is more a matter of 

 sentiment than of practical utility. A dozen plants of one really good 

 variety is practically of more value in all respects than were the dozen 

 plants composed of as many varieties not quite so good as that parti- 

 cular sort. In the case of a comparatively expensive flower like the 

 Gladiolus, it is the more necessary to guard against purchasing variety 

 at the expense of quality. It is advisable therefore, in giving an order 



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