GLADIOLUS, CORN-FLAO, OR SWORD LILT. 79 



Previous to setting out the plants, it will be necessary to 

 provide for their preservation through the varied changes ot 

 the season, or a sudden gust of wind may destroy the expec- 

 tations of a year. The branches of the Dahlia are extremely 

 brittle, and, therefore, a good stout pole, or neat stake, should 

 be driven down near each root, of a suitable height, so that 

 the branches, as they progress in growth, may be tied thereto 

 at every joint, which may be done with shreds of matting or 

 twine. If the poles be in readiness, they are much more easily 

 fixed- at the time of planting the Dahlias than afterward ; but 

 it may be done at any time after the ground has been softened 

 by rain, provided it be not delayed too long, so as to subject 

 the plants to risk. Sometimes a few forward buds of the 

 Dahlias will exhibit their premature beauties to the beams 

 of a July and August sun ; but their lustre is quickly dim- 

 med. The latter end *>f September, sometimes all October, 

 and part of November, witness the Dahlia in all its glory ; 

 and dwarf plants, cultivated in pots, will sometimes blossom 

 at Christmas ; but they require more than ordinary care, at 

 a late period of their growth. 



GLADIOLUS, CORN-FLAG, OR SWORD LILY. 



Op this genus of bulbs there are about fifty species, natives 

 of the Cape of Good Hope. They produce flowers of vari- 

 ous colours, in August and September, and are well worthy 

 the attention of those who cultivate tender exotic plants. 

 They may be planted in September or October, about an 

 inch deep, in pots, which must be kept in a green-house or 

 light room, and watered sparingly until they begin to grow. 

 The following are known to be superb species and varieties : 



G. alatus, or Wing-Flowered, producing bright orange 

 coloured flowers. 



G. blandus produces flowers of a beautiful blush roso 

 colour. 



