330 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



rich tints and diversified markings in the foliage. The essentials for 

 raising plants from seed are good drainage, a temperature which does 

 not fall below 65, the careful employment of water, and the early 

 transfer of the seedlings. The green plants may be thrown away 

 immediately they reveal their character, but those which show 

 delicate tints in the small leaves will abundantly compensate for all 

 the care bestowed upon them. 



DELPHINIUM. Sow the perennial varieties on a prepared bed. 

 Thin early, without removing all the weaker seedlings, and when 

 sufficiently advanced to bear removal, transplant to borders where the 

 plants are to flower. 



DIANTHUS. Put the seedlings into single pots, and harden in 

 readiness for transplanting to the open in May or June. 



GLADIOLUS. This is one of the most stately and beautiful flowers 

 grown in our gardens, and it commands admiration from persons 

 differing in taste as widely asunder as the poles. The secret is in a 

 measure traceable to the varied colouring of the different varieties. 

 Some are strikingly brilliant ; others are exceedingly delicate in tint, 

 and refined in their markings. The culture may be of the most 

 primitive kind, or it may become one of the fine arts of horticulture. 

 Simply put into the ground and left to fight their own battle, the 

 corms sometimes produce splendid spikes of flower, although not so 

 imposing as better culture might have made them. Or they may 

 receive the connoisseur's skilful care, resulting in flowers of a size and 

 splendour worthy the adornment of a royal garden. 



The main work of preparing the ground should be done in 

 autumn. Now, it is only necessary to give it two or three light 

 forkings, and those not deep enough to bring the buried manure to 

 the surface. This frequent stirring is beneficial in itself, and it 

 promotes the destruction of the foes which prey upon Gladiolus roots. 

 Small Potatoes roughly hollowed out, pieces of Carrot, and Rape 

 Cake, may be used as traps for wireworm and other vermin. Planting 

 may be done at the end of this month, but as a rule it is better to 

 wait until the beginning of April. 



GLOXINIA bulbs which have been stored through the winter need 

 attention. Where these flowers are wanted early, and there is plenty 

 of room, a commencement will probably be made in February ; but 

 in the greater number of gardens March is soon enough. Assuming 

 the bulbs to be sound, they should be potted in a mixture of loam, 

 peat, and sand. Those which start first must be re-potted for a forward 

 supply. While growing, manure water twice a week will help to pro- 



