106 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
general appearance in form and color. It is a native of 
the east coast of South Africa, a much warmer climate 
than that at the Cape, yet the bulbs are more nearly 
hardy in our climate. 
G. albidus (White Gladiolus).—This is the nearest 
toa pure white flower of any of the species, having no 
color except very light stains on the backs of the petals, 
before they expand. It is a low growing sort, the spikes 
furnishing usually but three flowers, large and well 
opened. It is rarely seen in cultivation. This is un- 
doubtedly one of the parents of G. Colvillet alba (The 
Bride). 
G. angustus (Narrow-leaved).—One of the first 
species introduced, and one of the least attractive. The 
flowers are small, of a dingy white color. 
G. aphyllus (Leafless)\—A curious species, its 
flowers resembling more the Lomaria than the Gladiolus ; 
are produced in January or February. It can only be 
grown in the greenhouse. 
G. blandus (Fair). A very pretty species with a 
strong spike of white flowers, the lower petals having an 
oval blotch of red. The flowers are alternately arranged 
on either side of the stem, a form that meets with but 
little favor. 
G. brevifolius (Short-leaved).—A greenhouse 
species, with a long naked spike of very pretty rosy- 
tinted flowers. 
G. campanulatus (Bell-shaped).—A very pretty 
species, but its name is a misnomer, as its flowers are 
less bell-shaped than most of the species. It is of dwarf 
habit, with lilac flowers, the lower divisions stained 
with red. 
G. cardinalis (Scarlet, or Superb).—A grand 
flower, and one of the parents of many of our richly 
colored hybrids. It is well worthy of cultivation. In 
favorable situations it will grow more than four feet 
