PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 107 



We often hear objections made to a rariety or strain, condemning it 

 for lack of substance. Now, while camellia-like petals are most desirable 

 and too rarely obtainable, their absence can not be made a point for 

 rejection, unless at the sacrifice of some of our most beautiful varieties. 

 Substance is largelj a question of weather; for if, after a period of cool, 

 moist conditions a few hours of intense heat prevail, very common occur- 

 rences in our variable climate, large flowers must wilt, and the larger 

 they are the worse they are affected. The remedy, however, is easy and 

 most satisfactory. Cut the spike when the first flower opens, letting it 

 bloom further in the house, where the last bud of any size will do even 

 better than in the open ground. This treatment also strengthens the 

 bulb. 



The first of the crosses between the hybrids of Gandavensis and 

 species is popularly known as the Lemoine section, the varieties of which 

 in general cultivation partake largely of the characteristics of the species, 

 their peculiarity being rather weak plants with crooked stems, bearing 

 small, bell-shape flowers. From these conditions the past five years 

 have seen developed one of the most beautiful and popular gladioli in 

 existence, a plant of great vigor, straight spikes, and flowers of the 

 largest size. 



Among the newer hybrids and the best finished of the crosses with 

 the species Saundersonii, is the Xanceianus section, introduced in 1890. 

 While the general coloring of this strain is in shades of red, partaking 

 as it does so largely of the blood of the species, the wide-open flowers are 

 of enormous size and great richness and brilliancy of coloring. The 

 plants of the newer varieties are robust, the flowers of good substance, 

 and bulbs of great vitality. 



To say that this is no improvement is to ignore a class the influence 

 of which will be seen in choice work yet to be introduced. That section 

 of European origin offered under the name of Childsi, in 1893, is the 

 latest of the Saundersonii crosses in order of introduction. It is the 

 result of crossing the hybrids of Gandavensis on the species. The plant 

 is of robust habit, with flowers of the largest size. While lacking the 

 finish and coloring of the Nanceianus section, it contains the first break 

 from red shades among the Saundersonii hybrids as known to the 

 amateur. 



It has been my privilege to test many varieties in advance of their dis- 

 semination, among which are the new hybrids originated by Mr. F. E. 

 Gray of Alhambra, California. When these are* introduced the 

 value of the infusion of new blood of the species will be more fully 

 appreciated. With me these plants, bearing spikes over two feet in 

 length, attained a height of fully six feet, with flowers of the Gandavensis 

 form, four inches or more in diameter. 



Without reference to anv strains vet to be introduced, it is with all 

 confidence I rest my contention on the evidence preceding, that the 

 gladiolus has improved, and will continue to be improved for many years 

 to come. 



