and also for cut flowers, for which 
Gladioli are very extensively used. 
Dahlias 
The Dahlia is not particular as to 
soil, except as to stiff cold clay, 
which is not really suitable for it or 
for any other bulb or plant. Dahlias 
should be heavily fertilized with com- 
mercial fertilizer or stable manure 
to bring out the brightest colors and 
largest flowers, and in planting, the 
bulbs should be set at least three 
feet apart each way. Many make 
the mistake in supposing the tubers 
themselves, like potatoes, will grow; 
the tubers themselves will not grow, 
unless there is also a bud connected 
with the tuber. 
Planting Season 
Dahlias are always planted in the 
spring throughout the United States, 
except in California, where they are 
sometimes planted in the fall and 
winter months. However, even in 
California spring is the best time for 
dividing and replanting. The bulbs 
of Gladiolus, Amaryllis and Dahlias 
may be left in the ground wherever 
it does not freeze more than an inch 
in depth through the winter. 
Roses 
Eoses may be planted at almost 
any season if grown in pots, but out- 
door-grown rosebushes give much 
better results. Strong field-culti- 
vated roses are best transplanted 
during the fall, winter and early 
spring months. Any time from No- 
vember to March or April is best for 
moving all roses. 
The above directions are general, 
as it is impossible to give any very 
specific directions without writing a 
very large book. Books on garden- 
ing can now be had describing the 
planting and culture of all kinds of 
flower and vegetable seeds. One 
should by all means purchase some 
of the modern books on this subject, 
if success is not obtained by follow- 
ing the directions here given. 
Insect Pests 
For the extermination of the vari- 
ous insects which are sometimes 
troublesome, especially aphis or plant 
lice, which attack vegetables and 
plants of various kinds, a spraying 
of whale-oil soap is about the most 
effective general remedy, whether for 
roses, vegetables or almost any other 
plant. Plant lice will sometimes de- 
stroy sweet-peas if not attended to 
early in the season, as they increase 
with amazing rapidity. 
