104 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



The Alternate-leaved, Thick-leaved, and Golden, are 

 all from North America. The first flowers in October 

 and November; the other two from August to October. 

 These are all perennial plants, as are most of the genus. 



They may be increased by parting the roots, which 

 should be done in autumn, when the stalks begin to de- 

 cay. The two first prefer a light loamy earth, and ex- 

 posure to the sun ; the others will thrive in almost any 

 soil or situation. There are other species of this genus, 

 some of which are raised in a hot-bed ; but their treat- 

 ment, when grown, is generally the same. The kinds 

 here named will bear the open air. The earth should be 

 kept just moist, and the plants be supported by sticks as 

 they advance in height, or the strong winds of autumn 

 may be apt to break them. 



CORN-FLAG. 



GLADIOLUS. 



IRIDE/E. TRIANDEIA MONOGYNIA. 



The botanical name of this plant is the diminutive of gladius, a 

 sword, and is given it from the form of its leaves. It is also called 

 Sword-flag, Corn-sedge, and Corn-gladin. French, le glayeul ; flambe. 

 Italian, ghiaggiuolo ; gladiolo. In Sicily, spatulidda. 



THE Corn-flag is related to the lily, and has a bulbous 

 root. It is a handsome genus. Of the Common Corn- 

 flag there are many varieties, differing in colour. These 

 may be increased by offsets from the roots. About the 

 end of July, when the stalks decay, the roots may be taken 

 up, the offsets separated from them, and the whole dried, 

 cleaned, and carefully preserved in a dry and secure place 



