28o Cornell Extension Bulletin ii 



A definite standard of size has not been accepted, owing to the fact 

 that ideas differ much as to just what is to be considered large and what 

 small. In general, blooms ten centimeters or over in diameter are called 

 large; those below seven centimeters, small; those between the two limits, 

 medium-sized. (One inch equals approximately two and one-half centi- 

 meters.) Since the varieties tested here were given equal and identical 

 culture, the sizes of the blooms should be proportional. Many of the 

 varieties will be reported much too small. No attempt has been made 

 to give exceptional culture for results; the plants have merely been given 

 ordinarily good care. 



The color of the perianth is carefully compared with the most com- 

 prehensive color chart available. The one used on the trial grounds 

 here and accepted by the Color Chart Committee of the American 

 Gladiolus Society is that of the Societe Frangaise des Chrysanthemistes, 

 and is called the Repertoire de Couleurs. There are three hundred and 

 sixty-five plates, and four variations of each color on each plate. Con- 

 cerning each color, the chart indicates the names of certain other flowers 

 that are of this particular color. Each person has a different conception 

 of colors, so that it is highly valuable to standardize the color nomencla- 

 ture. Black gives an interesting description of the variety Independence, 

 the color of which is variously called by the catalogs light scarlet, light 

 red, rosy pink, deep rosy pink to orange scarlet, and deep pink bordering 

 on scarlet. By reference to the color chart, the color is found to be 

 carthamin, or Lincoln, red (Plate 88, Shade II; in the descriptions the 

 color is indicated only as 88-11). The color chart here shows the variety 

 to be of the same color as Euphorbia splendens and of several zonal 

 pelargoniums. 



Besides the main color of the bloom, careful descriptions are prepared 

 of the markings. The terms used in designating the characteristic 

 markings are given beneath the drawing on the opposite page. In 

 determining the colors of the stamens the color chart is not used, 

 the color being merely a matter of personal opinion of the one 

 describing the variety. The bloom is divided into two segments 

 when comparing their positions and widths. When the upper and 

 lower segments are together — in other words, when there has not been 

 a decided division of the bloom horizontally — the term connivent is 

 applied; the opposite condition is expressed by the term separate. When 

 the upper segment is not erect nor decidedly hooded, the condition is 

 caUed horizontal. The term reflex is applied to cases where the segments 

 are rolled back in any way. The character of the perianth tube is not 

 of great importance except as an additional means of identification of 



