GLADIOLUS. 



Ill 



As regards the species the reader will not be bene- 

 fited by further descriptions. Those noted include all 

 that have distinct characters. Many are so little grown 

 that but little interest can be attached to them. All 

 there is of value or interest in the Gladiolus is centered 

 in the hybrid forms, and in their cultivation and propa- 

 gation. On these points much has already been said; 

 much more can be said, on methods of reproduction, 

 not only as regards the preservation and extension of 

 the many valuable varieties already grown, but also in 

 the obtaining of new varieties. 



Hybrid Gladiolus. — There is no class of plants 

 that has been so much improved by hybridization as the 

 Gladiolus, nearly every effort being crowned with suc- 

 cess, not only when a cross between species has been 

 effected, but in the cross-fertilization of varieties. As 

 soon as the first cross had been perfected in the develop- 

 ment of its flowers, the capabilities of the flower were at 

 once manifest. The changes in form, size and combina- 

 tion of colors were marvelously rapid, and so pleasing 

 that the work was pushed with an enthusiasm that 

 knew no bounds. The labor and care in cross-fertiliza- 

 tion was so little in comparison with results obtained, 

 that varieties almost innumerable were given distinctive 

 names, many of which have long since been lost sight of, 

 and their places filled by yet more beautiful forms. 

 The work is still going on, and there is, seemingly, no 

 limit to the changes that can be produced. 



The first cross between the species resulted in the 

 well known G. gandavensis, about which there has been 

 much controversy and great misunderstanding. It has 

 been regarded by many as a species, or as a distinct race ; 

 whence or how it sprang no one seemed to know, 

 although to us its origin seemed as clear as that of any 

 hybrid form. 



Louis Van Houtte, the late and most distinguished 

 nurseryman and author, whose authority was undisputed 



