106 PIGTOEIAL PBAGTIGAL BULB GROWING. 



Notwithstanding the superb exhibits of these gorgeously beautiful 

 flowers that we occasionally see at shows, it cannot be said that 

 they are so extensively cultivated as might be wished. This seems to 

 be especially the case in the South of England, for they are 

 undoubtedly more frequently seen in the Midlands and in Scotland, 

 where tliey are magnificently represented in many gardens. 



Knowing how finely they thrive " across the Border," the 

 inexperienced are prone to think that they will only succeed in the 

 cooler climate which they there enjoy. That they like the soil 

 and the climatal conditions none wdll dispute, but it is equally 

 irrefutable that they will flourish almost, if not quite, everywhere in 

 England, if their requirements are assiduously studied. 



We find them in Cambridgeshire, in Somersetshire, and in the 

 Isle of Thanet, and in each case they are as near to perfection 

 as anyone need wdsh to see ; these places are widely separated, and 

 diff'er substantially in every respect, thus showing what can be done 

 when the work is set about in a businesslike way, and with a 

 determination to achieve success. 



The Gladiolus family may be said, as far as general culture is 

 concerned, to be divided into five sections, of which the principal 

 is that known as the Gandavensis, which is said to have originated 

 from G. psittacinus and G. oppositiflorus ; this comprises many 

 varieties of brilliant beauty, and some of them are very easily grown. 

 Then there is the Lemoinei section, which is of hybrid origin, and 

 contains some remarkable combinations of colours. From America we 

 have received, though it was raised in Germany, another hybrid 

 division named Childsii, after its introducer ; the members of it 

 are strong growing, and very handsome in suitable positions. In 

 addition to these there are the Nanceianus section and the species 

 with their varieties, several of which are invaluable. A few Gladioli 

 are grown in pots, but the majority do not respond readily to 

 this method of culture, and should be placed in the garden. 



CDapter XXXK-6IadioIt. 



Selections of Gladioli. 



Hybrids of Gandavensis. 



Baroness Burdett-Coutts, 

 lilac, tinged rose purple. 



Althea, orange red, flaked 

 crimson, violet blotch. 



Dalila,briglitrose,blotched 

 and striped white. 



Decima, rosy white, edged 

 crimson. 



Casilda, pale yellow, rosy 

 red blotch. 



Dora Craven, white, car- 

 mine blotch. 



Colada, salmon red, white 

 blotch. 



Dr. Baill}'', scarlet, blotched 

 carmine on vrhite ground. 



