Mr. D. H. Watson, Brenham, writes: "I have just read the interesting letter of Mr. Obbenvetter in the March number of the Monthly, and I beg to differ with him in regard to the hardiness of the Gladiolus. Here with us I don't think the Gladiolus could be desired to thrive any better than they do. We have some, the bulbs of which were planted several years ago, and they are just as good, produce as fine flowers, and are as thrifty as when first planted. We give them no attention at all, never think of watering them, and give them no protection. The only culture they get, is when we clean the weeds and grass away from them. They multiply rapidly and seem as much at home as if they were natives of the soil. I find that the original bulbs were planted about 15 years ago".

[The gladiolus is probably much hardier than many people suppose. Gladiolus communis, a native of the south of Europe, has endured the winters of many years past in the vicinity of Philadelphia, and the kinds that have produced the garden hybrids, are natives of similar regions. - Ed. G. M].