CHAPTER XIX. 



GLADIOLUS, THE SWORD LILY. 



The diminutive of "gladus/' the sword. The mean- 

 ing is ^"^little sword.'' 



There are about 90 varieties of this beautiful flow- 

 er. They are found growing in the region of the Med- 

 iterranean, in Asia and most of the species are from 

 South Africa. Marvelous improvements have been 

 made in recent years in this flower. Blossoms of im- 

 mense size have been produced and these are of great 

 beauty. 



It is true the bulbs must be planted every spring and 

 must be taken up every fall. Yet, there is no hurry in 

 the spring. These with dahlias and cannas are plant- 

 ed after the rush of spring work is over. 



SOILS. 



Our Western rich prairie loam is just the thing for 

 them. Some people stake the stems. As a general 

 thing this is not necessary if properly planted. The 

 soil should be heavily manured the year before so the 

 manure will be well incorporated and the ground fine 

 and friable. Then plant at least 4 inches deep. When 

 I first commenced I had a good deal of trouble with 

 the long heavy stems tipping over. I found the trouble 



