THE TIGRIDIA 145 



with them. It has pale blue flowers marked with 

 yellow, and the specimens are of a slightly dif- 

 ferent structure from those of the Tigridia, 

 though the bulb and general growth of the plant 

 are similar. 



It was particularly desired to introduce strains 

 of the Herbertia, because this is a very strong- 

 growing plant, and its vigor and health would 

 be of great service in giving hardiness, the one 

 thing that the Tigridias more especially lack. 



In particular, the bulbs of the tiger plant are 

 difficult to keep over winter, and especially sub- 

 ject to decay from exposure to air and to the 

 attacks of aphids when stored. 



But I was never able to effect hybridization 

 between any of the Tigridias, either pure bred 

 or hybrid, and the Herbertia. The experiment 

 was made over and over, and in every case it was 

 without result. 



Meantime, however, there was no difficulty 

 whatever in crossing the ordinary cultivated 

 strains of tiger flowers among themselves and 

 with some of their South African relatives. And 

 the results of such hybridizings were manifest 

 almost from the outset. 



One of the most striking modifications shown 

 gained greatly in vigor of growth, in hardiness, 

 and in resistance to disease. 



