332 The I^lower Trade of JVew Tork. ' 



The GlaiHoIiis. 



One hundred thousand gladiolus bulbs are planted to the acre, and but little 

 knowledge of arithmetic is required to figure out the number of plants growing in 

 this fifteen acre plantation. It may well be imagined that the sight of this field of 

 flowers is grand. In passing through it by rail the sensation is that of entering a 

 fiery lake, for the red and crimson flowers predominate, and the illusion is enhanced 

 as the breeze sways the spikes of flowers to and fro in the form of mimic waves. 

 These brilliant flowers are sent to the New York market daily, ten thousand, perhaps, 

 at a lime, and are to be seen on every street stand as well as in the more pretentious 

 flower stores. 



flowers and Jittlbs. 



Gladiolus bulbs of the best mixed varieties are worth twenty-five dollars a thou- 

 sand. Of the flowers, Mr. Allen is at present sending one hundred dollars' worth 

 per week to our city stores. As soon as the flowering season is over with the 

 gladiolus, the bulbs are taken up and dried, aud the largest are laid away for autumn 

 and spring sales, while the smaller sorts are replanted for the next seaaon's flowers. 



Ten Acres of Tuheroses. 



Mr. Allen' plantation of flowering bulbs also comprises ten acres of tuberoses, 

 which embrace over five hundred thousand plants. This section is just coming into 

 flower ; but, as it will only show a mass of pure white, it will lack the beauty of 

 the gladiolus display. Of the lily tribe there are thousands of varieties of the 

 double Tiger, Japan and other sorts. Indeed, the Japan lily forms one of the lead- 

 ing sorts in Mr. Allen's collection, as five acres are devoted to its cultivation. There 

 are one hundred distinct varieties of lilies in these grounds. 



Where the Jiulhs are Sold. 



It may be asked here, where do these bulbs go ? for the production is immense. 

 Mr. Allen says he ships them all over the world, and in confirmation, in part, of this 

 fact he has just filled an order from London amounting to $1,000 gold. Immense 

 quantities of the bulbs are also sold at retail throughout the country. The gladiolus 

 is easily cultivated and requires but little space. Indeed, they will stand crowding, 

 and the more bulbs there are in a plot the better they appear when in flower. 



To supply the demand for bulbs, which is constantly increasing, there is one 

 plantation connected with this nursery containing fifty-two acres of gladiolus, tube- 

 roses, lilies and other bulbous plants, which are grown for their bulbs alone. 



Tlie J^ily fatniltf. 



Of the lily family, its grandeur for the present season is gone, and the bulbs are 

 now being dug up, dried, and assorted for market. The smaller bulbs will be 

 replanted in a few weeks for the next season's growth. Bulbs of the lily family, as 

 well as those of the gladiolus, will soon be potted for winter flowering. For winter 

 flowering the favorite sorts are the white varieties, and also the fragrant and deli- 

 cately marked Lily of the valley. This last named flower is now forced and brought 

 to great perfection as a winter plant. 



The Canna, 



Among the ornamental shrubs which are greatly sought after for the decoration 

 of lawns is the " Canna." It is a free growing plant, and its large and brilliantly 

 mai-ked leaves present a beautiful appearance, especially when grown in masses. 

 At the Allen nurseries the gardens are divided by rows of this superb plant. 



