THE GLADIOLUS. 187 



a succession of bloom. Set the bulb from two to four 

 inches deep, according to the size (we have found deep plant- 

 ing advantageous in dry seasons) ; and cover lightly with 

 pulverized soil free from stones, pressing it gently down 

 with the palm of the hand. The plants will appear in 

 about ten days, and only require to be kept free from weeds : 

 a light hoeing occasionally is beneficial for keeping the 

 ground open, and allowing air and moisture to penetrate. 

 Do not water, unless in very severe drought, when the plants 

 are dying (except in the case of small bulbs, which are 

 often lost by drying up). Watering tends to bring both new 

 bulbs and roots to the surface, and is injurious. 



When the plants are about four inches high, they should 

 each be tied to a neat, light stake, which should be of such 

 a height as to allow the whole bloom of the spike to project 

 above it : two feet six inches is a good length. As the plant 

 grows and the flower-spike pushes, new ties should be given, 

 as much danger is to be apprehended from violent winds or 

 heavy rains. If we do not desire to save seed, we should 

 cut off the flower-stalk as soon as the bloom is past. When 

 the frost has killed the leaves, or before, if the leaves, by 

 turning yellow, show the ripening of the bulb, the bulb 

 should be taken np, dried rapidly in full sunlight, the new 



