248 THE GOLD MINE 



The flowers he produced reach the full measure of 

 their capabilities. We quote what he says: 



^'The gladiolus when grown as a forced flower is ap- 

 preciated to a greater extent than when grown out of 

 doors. Like many other flowers it is better under the 

 protection of glass. When well cared for the flowers 

 are larger, the colors purer, and the spikes longer. To 

 force them successfully, however, requires attention at 

 just the right time, and its wants should always be an- 

 ticipated and supplied. Here is the routine of my 

 practice. The bulbs I forced this year were also forced 

 last year. They were planted February 8 and the first 

 flowers were cut the 30th of May. This year's work 

 began December 27 by putting each bulb in a four-inch 

 pot, using sandy loam without manure, and placing the 

 bulb on top, pressing it down to hold it without any 

 other covering. They were watered and then placed 

 under the benches of the carnation house until the be- 

 ginning of February. At that time those plants which 

 had grown four inches were brought to light and again 

 watered. Placing them close together on a bench near 

 the light, a little water was given them from time to 

 time, retarding the top growth and encouraging the 

 root action as much as possible. 



"My soil is rather of a heavy sandy loam, and in this 

 the bulbs were planted ; the depth of the bed being a lit- 

 tle over four inches. The bulbs were scarcely covered 

 at this time and this I find prevents the plants from 

 damping off during the dull days when they have com- 

 menced to grow rapidly. By the middle of March each 



