So The Gladiolus. 



spring, and were of the following varieties, — Couranti carneiis, Couraiiti 

 fu/ge/is, Hebe, Vesta, amabilis, Aglece, Adonis, Berthe Rabourdin, Endymion, 

 Siil/'hitrcus, Egerie, Adonis. .All of these are now in general cultivation, 

 and some are still most desirable varieties. 



Public attention once directed to these new gladiolus, many were im- 

 ported ; and, the succeeding summer, they were shown in considerable 

 numbers at the horticultural exhibitions. 



In addition to the above, the varieties Ninon de I'Enclos, Edith, ^sop, 

 Thisbe, Janire, and Aristotle, appeared. From this time we may date the 

 popularity of the gladiolus : every year brought new foreign varieties, and 

 the list of those in cultivation was greatly increased. 



The general habit of all was much the same. The stout grov;th of Gan- 

 davensis combined with rich colors of more delicate species. There were, 

 however, two varieties which even now seem to stand alone both in habit 

 and markings of the flowers, — Pluton and Vulcain, — which, with greater 

 depth and brilliancy of color, have preserved also the habit of the Cardinalis 

 tribe. These two varieties are as yet unsurpassed in color, but are of a 

 more delicate constitution, increase less rapidly, and will never become 

 very common or low-priced. 



But our amateurs were not long content to import gladiolus, and Ameri- 

 can seedlings soon made their appearance. It was found that our climate 

 was better adapted to gladiolus-culture than that of either France or Eng- 

 land, and many turned their attention to this plant. The result has been, 

 the production of seedlings in immense variety, a great proportion of 

 which are far better than any we can import. There is no doubt that 

 a little careful hybridization and well-directed experiment would produce 

 wonderful results, and give us flowers far superior even to the fine seedlings 

 we now possess. 



Gladiolus-culture is very simple. In the first place, a cold, damp, close 

 soil is unfavorable to the plant. Rank manures are also injurious ; and 

 every thing of a heating tendency causes disease. 



The best mode of preparing a bed is to fork the ground thoroughly in 

 October, mixing in a liberal supply of fine well-rotted cow-manure. About 

 the middle of April, fork over the bed a second time, being careful that the 

 manure is well mixed with the soil. Plant the bulbs about four to six 



