FLORA DOMESTICA. 



all from North America. The first flowers in October 

 and November; the other two from August to October. 

 These are all perennial plants, as are most of the genus. 



They may be increased by parting the roots, which 

 should be done in autumn, when the stalks begin to decay. 

 The two first prefer a light loamy earth, and exposure to 

 the sun ; the others will thrive in almost any soil or si- 

 tuation. There are other species of this genus, some of 

 which are raised in a hot-bed ; but their treatment, when 

 grown, is generally the same. The kinds here named will 

 bear the open air. The earth should be kept just moist, 

 and the plants be supported by sticks as they advance 

 in height, or the strong winds of autumn may be apt to 

 break them. 



CORN-FLAG. 



GLADIOLUS. 



IRIDE^E. TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



The botanical name of this plant is the diminutive of gladius, a 

 sword, and is given it from the form of its leaves. It is also called 

 Sword-flag, Corn-sedge, and Corn-gladin. French, le glayeul ; flambe. 

 Italian, ghiaggiuolo; gladiolo. In Sicily, spatulidda. 



THE Corn-flag is related to the lily, and has a bulbous 

 root. It is a handsome genus. Of the Common Corn- 

 flag there are many varieties, differing in colour. These 

 may be increased by offsets from the roots. About the 

 end of July, when the stalks decay, the roots may be taken 

 up, the offsets separated from them, and the whole dried, 

 cleaned, and carefully preserved in a dry and secure place 

 till the end of September, or the beginning of October, 

 when they may be re-planted. They will bear the open 

 air. 



The other species are chiefly natives of the Cape, and 



