42 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



brilliant scarlet externally and yellow within, but little of this is seen 

 except on close examination, the external colour being that which is 

 conspicuous, and the tube is divided at the mouth into five acute 

 segments ; they are borne in small clusters in the axils of the upper 

 part of the stem, and a2)pear in July and August. 



THE GLADIOLUS. 



Hybrids of Gandavensis must be classed amongst the very foremost of 

 autumn flowers, and we ought not to forget that we are indebted for 

 nearly all of those beautiful varieties to our neighbours across the 

 Channel. Notwithstanding the disturbance in France, another batch 

 of new varieties has been harvested in good condition, and will be 

 sent out yet if the state of aflfairs permit. M. Eugene Verdier Fils aine 

 catalogues twenty new varieties for 1870-71. The Gladiolus is indis- 

 pensable in the autumn flower-garden ; it is the most effective object 

 on the exhibition table ; and the plants are useful and effective orna- 

 ments in the greenhouse and conservatory. They can be placed in 

 positions where the spikes are seen amongst the green leaves of other 

 plants not in flower, or amongst ferns. This plant is also well adapted 

 for cuttings to place in vases, where the flower-spikes will continue to 

 develop themselves ; and some of the varieties will be more beautiful 

 than if allowed to remain on the plant. 



I will treat first of the culture of Gladiolus in beds out of doors. 

 It is best to plant them in beds, placing the bulbs 1 foot apart each 

 way, four rows in each bed. The ground will thus be laid out in 4-feet 

 beds, with 18-inch alleys. A light sandy loam is the most suitable 

 for them, and for such soil cov\^ manure is the best. A stiff loam is 

 not suitable for them, but it can be made so by using stable manure 

 or rotted hotbed or stable manure and leaves, with the addition of 

 leaf-mould, sand, or some loose material. As to position, it ought to 

 be sheltered, especially from the west and north : there are generally 

 furious gales from the west about the first week in September, and at 

 this time the beds are in full beauty. The preparation of the ground 

 is most important. This ought to be attended to early in the autumn, 

 before the ground is drenched with rain. It should be trenched not 

 less than 2 feet deep, working in plenty of manure, but none of it 

 ought to be nearer the surface than 9 inches, as the bulbs have a 

 strong aversion to close contact with manure of any sort. During 

 winter and early spring it should be lightly forked over when the sur- 

 face is dry. It cannot be forked over too often, but do not touch it 

 in wet weather or just after rains. 



