56 GLADIOLUS, OR SWORD LILT. 



may be done with shreds of matting or twine. If the 

 poles be in readiness, they are much more easily fixed 

 at the time of planting the Dahlias than afterwards ; 

 but it may be done at any time after the ground has 

 been softened by rain, provided it be not delayed too 

 long, so as to to subject the plants to risk. Sometimes 

 a few forward buds of the Dahlia will exhibit their 

 premature beauties to the beams of a July and August 

 sun ; but their lustre is quickly dimmed. The latter 

 end of September, sometimes all October, and part of 

 November, witness the Dahlia in all its glory ; and 

 dwarf plants, cultivated in pots, will sometimes blos- 

 som at Christmas. 



Gladiolus Corn Flag, or Sword Lily. Of 

 this genus of bulbs there are about 50 species, natives of 

 the Cape of Good Hope. They produce flowers of various 

 colours, in August and September, and are well worthy 

 the attention of those who cultivate tender exotic plants. 

 They may be planted in September or October, about 

 an inch deep in pots, which must be kept in a green- 

 house or light room, and watered sparingly until they 

 begin to grow. The following are known to be superb 

 species and varieties : 



G. Alatus, or Wing Flowered, producing bright 

 orange coloured flowers. 



G. blandus, produces flowers of a beautiful blush 

 rose colour. 



G. byzantinus, or Turkish Flag, has large delicate 

 purple'flowers. 



