GLADIOLUS. 



121 



to be found in our fields. "While this change is serious, 

 it affords a rich field for study. From this incident, we 

 shall no longer say that the Gladiolus does not sport or 

 revert towards the species. This is, however, the only 

 incident of the kind we have ever noticed. 



Forcing the Gladiolus. — The Gladiolus, for deco- 

 rative purposes during the winter season, has been of 

 late considerably used ; many growers having been very 

 successful in bringing it in at the proper time, making 

 it a profitable branch of their industry. This had the 

 tendency to induce others, who had not sufficient knowl- 

 edge of its requirements to make a success of the enter- 

 prise, to plant on a large scale. Like all other under- 

 takings, with hope, rather than experience, as a guide, 

 it has not been as profitable as might be desired. But 

 few men have been entirely successful ; among the few 

 is John Thorpe, of Pearl Eiver, N. Y., who knows 

 the Gladiolus well, and knowing, acts accordingly. The 

 flowers he produced reached the full measure of their 

 capabilities. His article from the Garden and Forest, 

 will give all the information required to successfully 

 force the Gladiolus. We quote the article entire. " The 

 Gladiolus, when grown as a forced flower, is appreciated 

 to a greater extent than when grown out of doors. 

 Like many other flowers, it is better under the protec- 

 tion of glass when well cared for, as the flowers are 

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

 Gladiolus successfully, however, requires attention at 

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

 pated and supplied. Here is the routine of my prac- 

 tice : The bulbs I forced this year were also forced last 

 year. They were then planted February 8th, and the 

 first twenty-five flowers were cut May 30th. This year's 

 work began December 27th by potting each bulb in a 

 four-inch pot, using sandy loam, without manure, and 

 placing the bulb on the top, pressing it down to hold it 



