FLOWER-GARDENING. 75 



succeed very well, provided they take care to cover them in 

 case of a cold change of weather. The roots may be thus cul- 

 tivated entire, as is frequently done ; but if it be desired to 

 have them parted, this business can be easily accomplished 

 without disturbing the roots ; and the offsets may be planted 

 in the ground separately or potted. 



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

 provide for their preservation, through the varied changes of 

 the season, as a sudden gust of wind may destroy the expecta- 

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

 brittle ; and, therefore, a 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 afterwards ; 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 dimmed. The latter 

 part of September, sometimes all October, and part of Novem- 

 ber, witness the Dahlia in all its glory ; and dwarf plants, culti- 

 vated 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. 



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

 of the Cape of Good Hope. They produce flowers of various 

 colors, 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 



