An eminent grower strips off the outer coat or skin of each bulb before planting to ascertain that there is no disease; and this cannot otherwise be discovered.  No doubt the procedure prevents the bed from showing blanks, but that object can be more safely attained by growing a reserve in pots.  There is, however, another practice which possesses very decided advantages, and it is to break the skin at the crown of the bulb to allow the foliage free exit.  The skin is so tough that it is frequently the means of distorting the plant in its attempt to force an opening.

The bed for a time needs little attention, except to keep it free from weeds, and this is best done by hand.  When the shoots reach about a foot high, tying must be resorted to in earnest.  The most effectual plan, of course, is to put a separate stake to each plant, and for exhibition specimens this is certainly advisable.  But rows can be secured by a stake at each end, with two or three strands of strong material carried across, to which each flower must be tied.  Whatever method is adopted, care should be taken to avoid cutting the plant, while holding it secure from damage in a high wind.  Let the material which is placed round the flowering-stem be soft and wide, such as list, which answers admirably.

Water must be freely and regularly given during dry weather, either in the morning or in the evening; and a mulch of old manure spread over the bed will prevent evaporation, and save the ground from caking hard.

Another important matter is shading.  For ordinary purposes this is not essential; but as it very much lengthens the duration of the flower, it is worth attention on that ground alone, and for exhibition it is indispensable.  Whether shading is provided by separate protectors made expressly for the purpose, or by home-made contrivances of canvas or wood, the point to be quite certain about is security, or an accident may wreck well-grounded hopes.

The lifting and storing of the corms affect the quality of the next year’s flowers so much that it is important to accomplish lifting at the most suitable time, and the storing in the best manner.  By the middle or end of October, on some fine day, take up the roots, even if the foliage be still green; tie a label to each variety, and hang them in some airy place until they can be cleared of soil and leaves.  Remove each stem with a sharp knife, and lay out the bulbs to dry for another fortnight.  They can then be stored in paper bags or in boxes on any dry shelf which is safe from vermin and frost.

An article on the culture of the Gladiolus from seed will be found on page 267.

==Gloxinia==