122 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
without any other covering; they were watered and then 
placed underneath the benches of a Carnation-house 
until the beginning of February. At that time those 
plants which had grown to the height of four inches 
were brought to the light and again watered. Placing 
them close together on a bench near the light, a little 
water was given from time to time, retarding the top 
growth, and encouraging root-action as much as possible. 
By the twentieth of the month the plants were gone 
over, and all those of an even size were planted together 
in rows about a foot apart, and nine inches apart in the 
rows. After planting those of one size, then another 
batch a size less was handled. This selecting into sizes 
pays for all the trouble it costs in preventing strong 
plants from overcrowding the weaker ones. My soil is 
rather a heavy sandy loam, and in this the bulbs 
were planted, the depth of the entire bed being a little 
more than four inches. ‘The bulbs were scarcely covered 
even at this time, and this, I find, prevents the damping 
off of the plants during dull days, when they have com- 
menced to grow rapidly, and are checked either by dark 
weather or by a cold spell. By the middle of March 
each plant was tied securely to prevent its falling over, 
which is generally ruinous to the flower-spike; a hght 
mulching of stable-manure was then put on and well 
watered. From that time until the flowers were cut a 
good soaking of liquid manure was given each week. 
The Gladiolus delights in moisture when well along in 
growth, but in its earlier stages too much water is death 
io it. The first twenty-five flowers were cut for Easter, 
or six weeks earlier than last year. The temperature 
was never higher than 50° at night, and during the day- 
time the house was ventilated whenever it could be kept 
above 70°F. Three things I find are necessary to success- 
fully force the Gladiolus : 
1. The pots must be well filled with roots before 
the plants are finally set out. 
