53 
done. However, there is probably not much danger 
that the average grower will give them too much. 
Nitrogen in too large a quantity will cause too much 
leaf growth and an overdose of potash will cause the 
plant to ripen too quickly. If we are to get the most 
and best bulblets we must go pretty strong on potash, 
however. We would rather have a strong, sturdy plant 
than one which makes too much top. 
When it can be procured, the safest fertilizer for 
the average grower consists of well rotted sheep, cow 
or horse manure (best value in the order named) 
spread thickly over the garden in the fall and well 
worked into the soil sometime before the spring plant¬ 
ing is done. This will usually be full of weed seeds but 
most of the young weeds can be killed by working the 
beds over at frequent intervals before the gladioli are 
planted. 
One of the very best natural fertilizers is sheep 
guano which can be gotten from the seed stores in pul¬ 
verized form in sacks of from 50 to 100 pounds. We 
use several tons of this and spread it over the beds at 
frequent intervals through the whole growing season 
and till within about a month before digging. It is 
easily handled, is free from weed seeds, does not pack 
very hard and is an aid rather than a hindrance in 
maintaining a dust mulch. It also shows a highei' 
analysis than most other natural fertilizers. 
Bone meal ranks as an excellent fertilizer but it is 
very slow in acting. On the other hand nitrate of soda 
is quick, too quick, and I doubt if it should be used at 
all, or if used it would be best in small quantity and 
then only in mixtures. 
