GLADIOLUS. 121 
to be found in ovr fields. While this change is serious, 
it affords a rich field for study. From this incident, we 
shall no longer say that the Gladiolus does not sport or 
revert towards the species. ‘This is, however, the only 
incident of the kind we have ever noticed. 
Forcing the Gladiolus.—The Gladiolus, for deco- 
rative purposes during the winter season, has been of 
late considerably used ; many growers haying been very 
successful in bringing it in at the proper time, making 
it a profitable branch of their industry. This had the 
tendency to induce others, who had not sufficient knowl- 
edge of its requirements to make a success of the enter- 
prise, to plant on a large scale. Like all other under- 
takings, with hope, rather than experience, as a guide, 
it has not been as profitable as might be desired. But 
few men have been entirely successful ; among the few 
is John Thorpe, of Pearl River, N. Y., who knows 
the Gladiolus well, and knowing, acts accordingly. The 
flowers he produced reached the full measure of their 
capabilities. His article from the Garden and forest, 
will give all the information required to successfully 
force the Gladiolus. We quote the article entire. ‘‘The 
Gladiolus, when grown as a forced flower, is appreciated 
to a greater extent than when grown out of doors. 
Like many other flowers, it is better under the protec- 
tion of glass when well cared for, as the flowers are 
larger, the colors purer and the spikes longer. ‘To force 
Gladiolus successfully, however, requires attention at 
just the right time, and its wants should always be antici- 
pated and supplied. Here is the routine of my prac- 
tice: The bulbs I forced this year were also forced last 
year. They were then planted February 8th, and the 
first twenty-five flowers were cut May 30th. This year’s - 
work began December 27th by potting each bulb in a 
four-inch pot, using sandy loam, without manure, and 
placing the bulb on the top, pressing it down to hold it 
