150 GLADIOLrS BLOUETIANUS. 



other subject*, it will be sufficiently evident that a considerable improvement has 

 taken place in the form of the flower, the narrow lower segments seen in Gandavensis 

 being here replaced by divisions nearly as broad as those of the upper part of the 

 flower. To give an idea of the appearance of the plant when in bloom, we need 

 only state that each blossom is about three inches across. 



There are many other varieties equally splendid, especially Brenchliensis, with 

 brilliant scarlet flowers ; Fischer ianum ; Hamlet ; ignescens, fine scarlet, with broad 

 white feather on each of the lower segments ; and splendens, a superb scarlet, with 

 very large flowers. 



This section, as being the hardiest of the tribe, and producing the largest flowers, 

 is, perhaps, the most desirable where space does not allow of a selection from each 

 division. It is, however, a matter for regret that the diffusion of new varieties 

 of plants of this and the allied natural orders, cannot take place with the same 

 rapidity as in the case of those plants which can be readily multiplied by cuttings. 

 The variety we have figured, as well as most of those named in the above paragraph, 

 is, therefore, at present rather expensive ; but each season will considerably 

 diminish their cost, so that, ere long, they will doubtless be as cheap as psittaeinws 

 and the commonest of the tribe. 



We have observed that the plants of the last section are the hardiest ; but the 

 Gladioli are all hardy in soil not retentive of moisture ; and if the earlier flowering 

 varieties need, in some exposed situations, a little protection, it is chiefly on 

 account of their commencing their growth late in autumn, or at an early period 

 of the year, at which time the corms of Gandavensis, and its allies, are perfectly 

 dormant. 



The plants of the first three sections should be planted in autumn; those of the 

 Gandavensis group from February to March. As an easy guide to the proper season 

 for planting any variety of unknown habits, it will be sufficient to observe that 

 all those corms which manifest a disposition to protrude their fibres in autumn, 

 should be planted at that season. 



Although the Gladioli are not particular as to soil, they, nevertheless, attain their 

 greatest luxuriance in rich, well-drained composts. In toct soils, the earth should 

 be removed to a depth of eighteen inches, and six inches of drainage, composed 

 of small stones, broken cinders, or crocks be placed at the bottom. The 

 remaining space is then to be filled in with a mixture of good fibrous loam, 

 thoroughly decayed manure, and sandy peat, in equal parts; the corm being 

 planted from four to six inches beneath the surface. In dry poor soils, on a sandy 

 or gravelly subsoil, the same plan must be pursued, but in this case the drainage 

 will be unnecessary. During their growth in spring and summer, they should 

 never be allowed to suffer from drought, which causes the foliage to become yellow 

 and is a serious obstacle to a successful blooming. All the varieties ripen seed, 



