38 THE BOOK OF BULBS 



G. Elwesii is not long-lived in many gardens. It seems 

 to prefer a rather moist, peaty soil. 



G. latifolius is a very distinct Snowdrop with broad, 

 bright green leaves. Unfortunately, it is rather too 

 delicate for our climate, and the newer G. Ikariae is 

 preferable. It has handsome bright green leaves, with 

 arching habit, and pretty flowers. 



G. plicatus, the Crimean Snowdrop, is troublesome 

 because of the unaccountable way in which it often 

 disappears. It is, however, so fine and distinct, with 

 its revolute leaves, that it should be tried. Hybrids 

 between it and G- Elwesii are often hardier than either 

 of the parents. G. byzantinus may be a hybrid of this 

 parentage. 



It is needless to refer to the cultivation of the Snow- 

 drop further than to say that it seems to do best planted 

 in the grass, and that it is much finer in a rather moist, 

 peaty soil. When grown in pots it should not have 

 much heat. 



GALTONIAS 



Galtonia, or Hyacinthus, candicans is the best of the 

 three species which constitute the genus. It is a noble 

 plant, whose white, drooping bells look remarkably 

 handsome, especially when associated with such plants 

 as the scarlet Gladiolus brenchleyensis. It should be 

 planted in spring, about six inches deep. Although 

 hardy in most gardens, in some it must be lifted and 

 stored in winter, or well protected with dry ashes or litter. 



GLADIOLI 



While the magnificent hybrid Gladioli are not hardy 

 in the greater number of gardens, and are therefore 

 referred to along with half-hardy bulbs, it will be found 

 desirable to attempt their cultivation in warm localities as 

 hardy flowers, planting deeply and giving them a little pro- 



