the natural moisture from below. When the flowers are 
in bloom they should be watered at the base of the spike, 
as this prevents spotting and burning of the petals. The 
most important period for watering is at the time the spike 
head begins to develop. At this time it tends to lengthen 
the stalk and spike head and increases the size and beauty 
of the flower. When the stalk lengthens, hill them up to 
help hold them upright, as many a dollar is lost by letting 
the stalks bend and the flowers spatter with mud. Be 
careful of planting on low ground with poor drainage as 
excessive moisture standing on the bulbs is conducive of 
disease. » 
We have recommended cow manure as fertilizer, as 
we find other fertilizers so strong that they burn the 
bulbs and prepared formulas too weak and apt to contain 
weed seeds. Mulching is an excellent new method to 
hold moisture and also serves to keep weeds down. 
Insects and Diseases 
Though Wentworth Gardens have had no actual ex¬ 
perience with Gladiolus Thrip, we believe this to be due 
to the following practices: 
(1) Keep fields clean of all tops, leaves and piles of 
refuge. 
(2) Store bulbs in clean cool storage, 45 to 3 5 degree 
temperature is safe. 
(3) Burn all trash and old bulbs removed during 
cleaning. 
(4) Fumigate at least twice during the storage 
period. 
(5) Dip bulbs in corrosive sublimate before planting. 
The above rules, I believe are the most practical way 
for growers and dealers to control Thrip. Most other 
methods are too costly and no more effective for general 
use. 
FUMIGANT — Where an air tight storage can be 
used, I recommend the use of Calcium cyanide gas; lYi 
oz. of cyanide to 1000 cubic feet of air space for 48 hours. 
This gas is very deadly and should not be used where it 
will leak in the living quarters of humans or animals. The 
storage space should be thoroughly aired after the 4 8-hour 
period before entering. The gas does not kill the eggs of 
the Thrip, which will hatch in relation to the tempera¬ 
ture; in a 70 degree storage make a second fumigation in 
ten days, in 60 degree storage in 15 days, 50 degrees 
storage in 2 5 days and below 45 degrees, once in the Fall 
and once in the Spring. 
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