of the Js'atural order Iridacem. 411 



In the autumn, as soon as the leaves have assumed a decayed 

 appearance, the roots may be taken up and divided, and reset 

 again. The after treatment is the same as in the preceding sea- 

 son. It increases very fast, and its simple culture vi^ill recom- 

 mend it to every garden. 



G. blandus. — A very delicate species, with flesh-colored 

 flowers. It is cultivated in the same manner as recommended 

 for the cardinalis. It should be in every good collection. 



G. hirsutus. — Another pretty species with pink flowers, and 

 of slender growth. Cultivated like the cardinalis. 



G. tristis is also a very dehcate species, with flowers of a 

 brownish-yellow color. It requires the same management as the 

 others. It is a good species to hybridize wdth the stronger 

 growing ones. The Rev. and Hon. Wm. Herbert raised some 

 fine varieties between this and the blandus. 



G. byzantinus and communis, and the varieties of the latter, 

 are perfectly hardy, and may be grown as recommended for the 

 natalensis. They are very showy when planted in beds by them- 

 selves. 



G. var. pudibundus. This is a hybrid (noticed at p. 63), 

 raised by Mr. Herbert, and is said to be between the cardinalis 

 and blandus- The color is a charming rose, shaded into white 

 at the base of the petals. It requires just the same treatment as 

 the cardinalis, and is a free bloomer, throwing up a spike two 

 feet high, with twelve or more flowers. 



G. var. Colvilli is a handsome hybrid, with scarlet and yellow 

 flowers, and may be grown like the cardinalis. It is a desirable 

 variety. 



There are many more species, but these are such as we can 

 recommend for their elegance. A considerable number of vari- 

 eties have been raised; but as we have never grown, or seen any 

 particular account of, them, we cannot speak in regard to their 

 merits. We hope, however, that all those of any beauty, or 

 deserving of cultivation, will be soon introduced into our col- 

 lections. 



English cultivators state that the best plan for growing all the 

 Gladioli, ixias, watsonias, Sj-c, is in a brick pit, built so as to 

 keep out the frost, and covered with lights, and, in severe weath- 

 er, with mats, &c. The pit should be filled with the same soil as we 

 have recommended, and the bulbs set about six inches deep. The 

 sashes should be opened during all pleasant weather, and only kept 

 closed when severe frosts occur, or when there is danger of a super- 

 abundance of wet, from long and continued rains. In this way they 

 throw up very vigorous leaves and strong flower-spikes, which re- 

 main in beauty for a greater length of time than when growing in pots. 

 We have no doubt but the same treatment might be practised here: 

 the pit need not be built of more than one thickness of brick; 



