296 THE FLORIST. 



the preceding kinds, and exceedingly rich, though not so varied in 

 their colours as the earlier sorts. They produce a longer succession 

 of flowers ; many of them throw up lateral spikes of bloom to the 

 latest period of autumn ; and vigorous plants, lifted and potted, con- 

 tinue to bloom during the winter. Of the above character are : 



Prince of Wales, a very splendid variety, of a rich scarlet-colour. 



Queen Jictoria, rich scarlet and crimson. 



Speciosus, fine scarlet striped with white. 



J'ittellinus, bright rosy scarlet, with white stripes. 



Formosissimus, rich crimson striped with white. 



Ramosus, shaded rose, large and fine. 



Robin Hood, clear pink, with white stripes. 



Rosa Mundi, rose striped with white, and having a purple shade. 



The varieties of Floribundus, Gandavensis, and other late tall- 

 orowing varieties, chiefly come later into flower than most of the 

 above. Of these, Splendens is a very noble variety, of a rich orange 

 scarlet, with much larger flowers than Gandavensis. Psittacinus 

 sanguineus is a good dark one. Brenchleyensis is another splendid 

 addition to this class. 



For pot- culture the Gladiolus is very suitable, making a beautiful 

 show among other plants in the greenhouse or conservatory, and, 

 where a large collection is kept, some may be had in flower nearly 

 all the year round. In potting, the roots should not be cramped; 

 they require a fair portion of pot-room. Sandy loam and peat, or 

 leaf-mould, or any light rich soil, the pots being w T ell drained, suits 

 them well. When first planted, as is the case with most other bulbs, 

 they will not bear forcing ; they should be allowed to progress gradu- 

 ally, by placing them in a cool frame or pit, and keeping the soil in 

 a tolerably dry state till they have made considerable growth ; after 

 which they may be brought into the greenhouse, or where they are 

 required to flower. They make fine specimens when planted several 

 bulbs in a pot. 



This lovely tribe of plants opens a wide field for the hybridist, 

 and the amateur would find it an interesting engagement, in which 

 his skill and time would be richly rewarded. In endeavouring to 

 obtain crosses, the choice should not only be directed to the colour 

 and size of the flowers, but chiefly to their expanding habit and 

 breadth of petals ; for although there are many fine sorts which do 

 not possess each of these latter qualities, yet they should be the 

 points to be aimed at in our progress towards the improvement of 

 the tribe. Seedlings of the early varieties usually flower the second 

 summer after sowing, and the later varieties the third. 



Seed and Horticultural Establishment, 

 Sudbury, Suffolk, Sept. loth. 



