indebted for assistance in their classification, and 
we may, ere long, state his mode of culture. 
The showy hybrid kinds of Gladiolus may be 
divided into four sections, based on the following 
distinct species, viz. Cardinalis, Blandus, Flori- 
bundus, and Natalensis, to which they have res- 
pectively more or less affinity. 
The hybrid kinds of Cardinalis are known by the 
spike of flowers being recurved, the flowers scarlet, 
in various shades, and with few exceptions they 
have a delicate white feathering in the lower 
petals. Among some of the most beautiful are 
Imperialis, Prince Albert, Queen Bess, Christianus, 
Gem, and Insignis. 
The Blandus hybrids vary from the above, in 
their flowers being white, rose, or pink, with vari- 
ously coloured markings in their lower petals. 
Amongst the best of this division are Virgin 
Queen, La Princesse, Princeps, Pudibundus, 
Splendens, and Loddigesii. 
From Floribundus comparatively few hybrids 
have been obtained; they are distinguished by 
their flower spikes being erect, inclined to branch, 
and thickly set with flowers; more or less resembling 
the parent in colour. Albicans, Roseus, Ramosus, 
and Pyramidalis, rank amongst the finest. 
The hybrids of Natalensis are also few in num- 
ber; they are, however, highly desirable, in conse- 
quence of their having proved nearly hardy ; they 
are distinguishable by their resemblance to the 
parent, in point of growth and general resem- 
blance. The most desirable varieties are Ganda- 
vensis orange, Gandavensis dark, and Bidwelliana. 
