GLADIOLUS. 111 
As regards the species the reader will not be bene- 
fited by further descriptions. Those noted include all! 
that have distinct characters. Many are so little grown 
that but little interest can be attached to them. All 
there is of value or interest in the Gladiolus is centered 
in the hybrid forms, and in their cultivation and propa- 
gation. On these points much has already been said; 
much more can be said, on methods of reproduction, 
not only as regards the preservation and extension of 
the many valuable varieties already grown, but also in 
the obtaining of new varieties. 
Hybrid Gladiolus.—There is no class of plants 
that has been so much improved by hybridization as the 
Gladiolus, nearly every effort being crowned with suc- 
cess, not only when a cross between species has been 
effected, but in the cross-fertilization of varieties. As 
soon as the first cross had been perfected in the develop- 
ment of its flowers, the capabilities of the flower were at 
once manifest. The changes in form, size and combina- 
tion of colors were marvelously rapid, and so pleasing 
that the work was pushed with an enthusiasm that 
knew no bounds. The labor and care in cross-fertiliza- 
tion was so little in comparison with results obtained, 
that varieties almost innumerable were given distinctive 
names, many of which have long since been lost sight of, 
and their places filled by yet more beautiful forms. 
The work is still going on, and there is, seemingly, no 
limit to the changes that can be produced. 
The first cross between the species resulted in the 
well known G. gandavensis, about which there has been 
much controversy and great misunderstanding. It has 
been regarded by many as a species, or as a distinct race ; 
whence or how it sprang no one seemed to know, 
although to us its origin seemed as clear as that of any 
hybrid form. 
Louis Van Houtte, the late and most distinguished 
nurseryman and author, whose authority was undisputed 
