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XXII. On the Culture of the African Gladioli, and other Cape 

 Bulbs, in the open Borders. In a better to the Secretary. 

 By the Hon. and Rev. William Herbert, D. C. L. 

 F. H. S. $c. 



Read April 4, 1820. 



Dear Sir, 



I send for distribution, amongst such Members of the So- 

 ciety as may be disposed to cultivate the African Gladioli 

 in the open border, a large parcel of the seed of Gladiolus 

 blandus. I believe there were some mules between G. angus- 

 tus and G. blandus amongst the bulbs from which the seed 

 was gathered, and I think I applied the dust of other Gladioli 

 to some of the plants, without marking them, which may 

 afford further varieties. The seeds should be sown immediately 

 in the American border, and well watered : and whenever the 

 weather is dry, the young plants should be plentifully watered, 

 to promote their growth. At the beginning of October, or as 

 soon as the leaves wither, the young bulbs should be taken 

 up and dried : they may be replanted again at any time, 

 placing them about eight inches under ground, to prevent 

 the frost reaching them, for very severe frosts will destroy 

 them, if they are near the surface. The seedlings, if well 

 encouraged, may be expected to flower next year. The 

 blossom of the old bulbs is abundant in June, July, August 

 or September, according to the time at which the bulbs are 

 set. If the peat is heavy and rich, it should be mixed with 

 sand, to prevent its cankering them, or causing them to rot, 

 by the retention of too much wet in the winter. 



