270 IRIDE.^. 



information respecting their culture will be given in its proper 

 place. 



G. blandus {Early Blush G.) — This species grows about 1^2 

 or 2 feet high, bearing rather a loose spike of pale-pink flowers, 

 with darker spots at the base of the three lower segments. The 

 flowers begin to open about the middle of June, and continue 

 a few weeks. The plant is fond of peat. The bulbs must be 

 lifted and replanted in autumn every second or third year, and 

 it requires well-drained soil in order to keep it in good health 

 continually. Native of the Cape of Good Hope. 



G. byzantinus {Turkish G.) — This is another early-flowering 

 species requiring the same treatment and circumstances as the 

 last The spikes are rather crowded, with numerous flowers 

 arranged in two rows. The flowers are deep red, the three 

 lower segments marked by a narrow white spot. The flowers 

 open in June and July. Native of Sicily and the Abruzzi. 



G. cardinalis {Cardinal G.) — A very beautiful species, not 

 very fastidious as to soil, and very hardy, requiring the same 

 treatment as the first-named species. The plant grows about 

 2 feet high. The spikes are rather short, crowded, and one- 

 sided. The flowers are large, deep scarlet, with a conspicuous 

 white spot on each of the three lower segments. They open 

 in June and July. Native of the Cape of Good Hope. There 

 are a good many fine varieties, all worthy of a place in col- 

 lections. 



G. communis {Coi7imon European G.) — This species, like the 

 last, is not particular as to soil, thriving well in any moderately- 

 good garden-soil, but otherwise requires the same treatment as 

 the Early Blush G. The spikes are one-sided and numerously 

 flowered. The flowers are rather small, and do not open wide, 

 and are bright red ; the middle lower segment is considerably 

 larger than the other two, and all are marked by a narrow white 

 spot. Native of south Europe. Flowers in June and July. 

 There is a good white variety worthy of a place. 



G. insignis {Sho7vy G.) — This is a splendid species, growing 

 from 2 to 3 feet high. The spikes are dense and one-sided. 

 The flowers are large, brilliant orange-red, opening in June, 

 July, and August. It is perhaps the most gorgeous of the early- 

 flowering kinds, and is as hardy and easily managed as any, and 

 requires the same treatment as the other early kinds above 

 described. 



G. segetum, syn. G. communis {Purple European G.) — This 

 is a distinct and useful species, growing between 2 and 3 feet 

 high, with numerous flowered spikes, the flowers being arranged 

 in two rows ; they are rather small, reddish-purple, and appear 



