GLADI'OLUS NATALEN'SIS.

NATAL CORN-FLAG.

Class. Order.

TRIANDRIA. MONOGYNIA.

Natural Order.

1RIDE£.

Native of

Height.

Flowers in

Habit.

Introduced

Natal.

4 feet.

August.

Bulb.

in 1830.

No. 536.

This generic name is derived from Gladius, asword. A single glance at its leaves determines itsapplication. Natallensis refers to a part of Africa ,where it is found indigenous, called Natal. It formspart of the Cape colony , and was discovered onChristmas Day —the natal day of our Saviour,hence its name. It was first known as Gladioluspsittacinus.

This certainly is one amongst the most splendidplants that can be considered as belonging to ourhardy flower compartment; and which, doubtless,from its beauty and increase, will ere long, becomea general favourite. Its strong tall stems, its longflower spikes, and exquisitely streaked and spottedflowers, claim for it attention and admiration.

It is sufficient that it be planted in a rich lightsoil, in the open border, in Spring, and taken upagain in the autumn. The bulbs, after being grad-ually dried, may be wrapped in paper and preser-ved through winter. One strong bulb will producehalf a dozen large, and a multitude of small ones.The latter we prefer keeping in pots of soil, in acool cellar.

Bot. Mag-. 3032.