Culture of the Oladiolus cardinalis. 461 



render the project of more national importance, and their de- 

 cision of the merits of the different systems would produce greater 

 benefit than could result from the exertions or patronage of any 

 single individual however high. It is, therefore, of more import- 

 ance that the Society should bring the trial before the public. 

 Biggar, April, 1841. 



Art. VIII. On the Culture of the Gladiolus cardinalis. 

 By A. Mackenzie. 



As so very little of the Gladiolus cardinahs is to be seen growing 

 in the flower-gardens, or even greenhouses, of this country, I 

 am induced to send you my mode of cultivating this splendid 

 flower. What flower can surpass the brilliancy of the G. cardi- 

 nalis when grown in luxuriance ? Here, like the sun in the 

 planetary system, it is the centre of attraction ; for, in a space 

 of about 12 ft. by 7 ft., there are no less than 500 trusses of 

 this magnificent flower, exciting the admiration of all visiters. 

 The simplicity of its culture enhances its value. It is generally 

 considered tender ; yet it grows here on an elevation of about 

 900 ft. above the level of the sea, the subsoil naturally cold and 

 wet, in rather a fight soil, with little or no protection. For two 

 winters I gave a covering of leaf-mould, about 2 in. deep ; but 

 the last two winters they got none whatever, and the result is, 

 that they were never seen growing here in such luxuriance and 

 splendour. 



About the beginning of October, when I wish to propagate 

 them, I take from well-established plants a ball or cluster of 

 corms, about 1^ or 2 feet in circumference, from one side of the 

 strongest plants, and plant them in beds 2 ft. wide, and the 

 plants 1 ft. apart, putting a little sand beneath the bulbs ; and 

 in the course of two or three years the beds will be covered 

 with the plants. I plant them about 2 or 3 inches deep. In 

 1839, I planted a bed in this manner, and with as little care as I 

 would take in planting any herbaceous plant, and have given no 

 protection ever since; yet, in both seasons, namely, 1840 and 

 1841, the bed has been nearly covered with strong trusses of 

 flowers. 



Last spring I separated a large ball of corms, and planted 

 them out singly ; and, this summer, only two flowers have made 

 their appearance. I intend to let them remain all winter with- 

 out any covering. I will give you an account of this experiment 

 in the course of one or two years. My object in planting them 

 out singly is to try how they will prosper when so planted. I 

 would recommend that single bulbs be grown in pots, and pro- 

 tected during winter (especially from damp), until they grow 

 into a cluster of bulbs. When they have attained a sufficient 



