78 THE BOOK OF BULBS 



too solid, in which case it ought to be forked over before 

 planting the corms. For exhibition they may be planted 

 about six inches apart, but for border decoration they 

 look well in groups of three or five at a closer distance. 

 Many charming effects may also be produced by planting 

 Gladioli in beds, with a groundwork formed by a low 

 plant of contrasting or harmonising colours. Other good 

 effects may also be made by arranging them with other 

 tall flowers. Gladioli should be staked early, and it is 

 desirable to put in sticks when the corms are planted, 

 unless they are in a position where the long stakes will 

 look unsightly. In this case short sticks may be placed 

 where the proper stakes are afterwards to go, so as to 

 avoid injuring the corms when inserting these. They 

 should be timeously secured with roffia or other soft 

 material. Spikes of bloom intended for exhibition ought 

 to be shaded and protected from the weather by a glass 

 fronted box, with the lower portion of the glass shaded 

 by whitening or canvas as the lower blooms open. 

 When the leaves become yellow the corms may be lifted 

 and, after drying slightly in a cool airy place, be stored 

 free from frost until planting time. 



The leading section of Gladioli is that formed by the 

 gandavensis varieties, charming hybrids, which through 

 a long period have been constantly improved until their 

 almost perfect flowers have been produced. Even the 

 best of the present day are being gradually superseded 

 by novelties, and a selection of a few would only mis- 

 lead. Named varieties procured from reliable firms will 

 all give satisfaction, and seedlings of great beauty can 

 be bought at a moderate price, and will often give 

 flowers suitable even for exhibition. The scarlet G. 

 brenchleyensis is indispensable for garden decoration. 



The Lemoinei section, from G. purpureo-auratus and 

 gandavensis varieties, is also very important, though it 

 is not so perfect in form as the gandavensis flower. 



