ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 77 



grown — that is, put away in a dry, warm place until spring. 

 When it is desirable to keep up a succession of flowers 

 during the entire season, the bulbs may be planted at dif- 

 ferent times, from the first of April to the first of June. 

 Soil similar to that used for other bulbs — that is, a deep, 

 rich one — is all that is required for the Gladiolus. The 

 bulbs should be covered about two inches deep and a foot 

 apart, and they may either be planted in rows or groups ; 

 the latter present the best eflfect. 



The Gladiolus produces seeds in abundance, and new 

 varieties are sure to be raised from almost any variety in 

 cultivation. Still, it is better to save the seeds of superior 

 varieties than from the inferior. Gather the seeds when 

 fully ripe and put away in a dry place, as with other seeds. 

 Sow in spring in rich, freely pulverized soil, covering them 

 about one half inch deep. Keep the soil moist until they 

 come up, and water occasionally thereafter as required. 

 Take up the bulbs in the fall and mix them with dry sand, 

 and then put away in the cellar. Plant out in spring, and 

 give the same care as given to larger bulbs. 



Great improvements have been made in the last few 

 years with this class of bulbs, and at the present time 

 there are several hundred superb varieties in cultivation. 

 The flowers are really magnificent, and blooming, as they 

 usually do, at a time when flowers are comparatively 

 scarce, adds very much to their value. 



To select a list of the very best would be a diflicult mat- 

 ter, because there are so many really good, therefore we 

 will not attempt it, but only name a few that are distinct 

 in color and amonsf the most desirable. 



