256 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ November, 
THE NEW GLADIOLI. 
OME ten years ago, the Dahlia, as an autumn flower for exhibition, was 
considered unrivalled, and there is no doubt that it is on the exhibition 
table that this flower shows to the best advantage. The Hollyhock, also, 
when exhibited on the spike, was in much favour ; and when Dr. Lindley, 
or some other writer, ventured in the Gardeners’ Chronicle to prefer the more 
elegant and graceful appearance of such flowers as the Phlox to that of u the 
lumpish Dahlia,” a considerable storm of indignation was aroused in some 
quarters. At that time, the varieties of Gladiolus (hybrids of gandavensis) were 
few, and were not much known as decorative plants. Since that time, how¬ 
ever, many superb varieties have been introduced, and the flower has become 
immensely popular. 
Of all autumn flowers, I consider the Gladiolus the most beautiful, and it is 
withal one of the most useful for decorative purposes indoors, owing to the per¬ 
sistent nature of the flowers after being cut. As the flower annually increases in 
popularity, so there are of necessity a greater number of persons interested in the 
new varieties that may be sent out. The best new varieties have been hitherto 
sent from France, and cultivators are much indebted to M. Souchet for the 
magnificent flowers which he has sent out; but those sent out this season are 
not, I think, up to the quality of the last few years. Such of them as have 
flowered with me I cannot recommend. Beatrix is one of the best, but it is too 
much like Norma to have been sent out as a new variety. Minerve is a 
good flower, but it is too much like Phidias. Virginalis is rather similar to 
Mary Stuart, lighter in colour, but it does not form such a handsome spike as 
that variety. Phcebus is, I am told, one of the best varieties, but it has not 
flowered with me. Jupiter is very distinct in colour, with the flowers large, but 
it does not form a handsome spike. Didon has a long spike of well-shaped 
flowers, but the colour is not striking or decided. Anti ope, Ossian , and Arsinoe 
I would not care to grow again. Some of the others, though apparently sound 
when planted, did not appear above ground at all. 
This fact illustrates one of the troubles of the Gladiolus-grower, but even this 
is not so annoying as it is to have them die off suddenly when in full growth. 
I think over-rich feeding has something so do with the loss of plants when in 
apparent health. As far as my experience has gone, I find the losses are much 
greater amongst those grown in rich soil, but on the other hand, the spikes are 
small, and the flowers are not of good quality if the treatment is not liberal. 
To grow good exhibition flowers, trench the ground well up, and if the soil is 
adhesive, use plenty of stable manure to mix with it. In light soils cow manure 
is the best. 
As a pot plant, the Gladiolus is of much value, and a few pots may be grown 
to get some early blooms, so that a succession may be obtained for as long a period 
as possible. Four parts of turfy loam, one of leaf-mould, and one of rotted 
