For planting small stock, less than half an inch in diameter, the ground
should be prepared as previously directed. The rows should be three feet
apart if the cultivating is to be done with a horse; if by hand,
eighteen inches. The furrows should be straight, and three inches in
depth. The grower can now choose one of two methods of planting. He can
sow the bulbs in the furrows, about twelve to the foot, or drop them in
hills, four to six in a place, every twelve inches. In either case they
can be covered with a cultivator, as before described, ridged up, and
harrowed or raked afterwards, thus saving the first and most expensive
weeding. When the bulbs have started sufficiently to make the rows
visible, the cultivator can be used, and from that time forward the most
of the work can be done with a horse, turning a little earth up to the
rows each time.

The hill method of planting takes more ground, but it has two distinct
advantages over the drill method. First, the hoe can be used in the row
between the hills, thus lightening the labor and expense of weeding;
and, second, in taking up the bulbs in the fall, each hill can be lifted
out with a fork, and every bulblet saved. In growing stock that is
especially valuable this is of great account.

Very few bulbs less than one-half inch in diameter will bloom, so all
they need is a chance to grow,--a loose surface, freedom from weeds, and
sufficient plant food, with moisture enough to make it available. Bulbs
thus produced will be of the most desirable shape, round or conical. If,
however, any considerable number come into bloom, the spikes should be
cut off as soon as they get above the foliage. This prevents the plants
from exhausting themselves by producing flowers and seed. Other things
being equal, bulbs from which the spikes are removed as early as
possible will be about twice as heavy as those that produce seed
unchecked.

The planting and management of bulblets will be considered in another
chapter.

CHAPTER V.

Cultivation.

The gladiolus needs the same stirring of the soil that is given to other
crops. The reason why the soil must be stirred is a question upon which
there are various opinions. Some hold that it is to kill the weeds; some
to conserve moisture; others, to let the air to the roots; and, still
others, to render the plant food in the ground available. Probably all
are right, and the summing up seems to be, "to make the crop grow," so
th