208 THE GLADIOLUS AND ITS CULTURE. 



and the spikes more numerous. One of the most beautiful 

 features of our garden this last summer have been two 

 large beds of this species and G. Gandavensis. 



GLADIOLUS GANDAVENSIS. A very striking species ; 

 color, superb orange and yellow. This variety was raised 

 as a seedling by Van Houtte, and derives its name from the 

 town of Gand (Ghent). It is stated to be a hybrid be- 

 tween Cardinalis and Psittacinus ; but Rev. Mr. Herbert, of 

 Spofforth, England, probably the best authority on bulbous 

 plants, very much doubted the truth of this assertion. For 

 a long time he experimented, crossing those two varieties, 

 but was never able to obtain any seedlings. At the present 

 time it would be useless to revive this question pr attempt 

 its discussion ; it might, however, be interesting to know 

 the truth, for certain it is to this species we owe all the 

 magnificent varieties we shall soon describe, and many 

 more none the less beautiful. 



The culture of Gandavensis is very easy : prepare a well- 

 manured bed ; plant the bulbs three fourths of a foot apart 

 each way, and two inches deep ; stake carefully, and the 

 bloom will be magnificent ; give them the full benefit of 

 the sun, for, if shaded, they do not succeed. A single bulb 

 Nvill often give two or three stems of bloom, and a succes- 



