118 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
out that their vitality becomes impaired. For this pur- 
pose choose the strongest corms, keep them in a dark 
cellar, and as cold as possible so long as the temperature 
does not fall below the freezing point. The latest plant- 
ing can be made the middle of July. It is better, how- 
ever, not to defer a general late planting after July 5th. 
A light frost, such as would destroy many tender plants, 
does not injure the Gladiolus, and, by throwing a sheet, 
or other light covering over the plants, they will with- 
stand several degrees of frost. 
All lovers of these noble flowers should grow suffi- 
cient corms, either from seed or from offsets, that a 
liberal use can be made of them. In the vegetable gar- 
den there are always vacant spots, where a hundred, or 
more, bulbs can be planted, after some other crop has 
been secured. There is no other flower so useful for 
parlor decoration, or for any purpose where cut flowers 
are desired. If cut when the first flower opens, the spike 
will develop its blooms quite as well in water in the 
house, as out of doors; in fact, better than if left in 
the open sun. 
Field Culture of Gladiolus.—There is no better 
place to show the capabilities of any plant than in the 
field, where it can have all the attention, in the way of 
good cultivation, it needs, with the elements all in its 
favor. The Gladiolus is no exception to the rule ; no other 
plant needs so frequent visits from the cultivator, none 
appreciates them more. But the cultivator must not be 
set to work deep. When the teeth go down so as to 
mutilate the roots, great injury is done. All that is 
required is to keep the surface of the soil light, which 
prevents it from drying up. Work deep before planting, 
but always shallow afterwards. 
The soil is prepared as for potatoes, without the 
use of stimulating manures. The rows are furrowed out 
thirty inches apart with a small plow, following this with 
