The new variety named John Standish , is the most perfect in 
some points of any we have seen. In the substance of the 
flower, which equals that of a stout Camellia petal, and in the 
breadth and smoothness and rotundity of the segments, as well 
as in depth and richness of colour, it is unapproached; whilst 
as regards its general form, it wants but little of the perfect 
symmetry of proportion which has now become desirable. The 
plant is vigorous in habit, producing a fine truss. The flowers 
are moderate-sized, rich deep crimson-scarlet, the lower petaline 
segment smaller, mottled with white and flushed with purple. 
The form is not quite symmetrical; the three outer or sepaline 
segments form a triangle with the apex upwards, and in this 
case the upper sepal is somewhat convex or hooded, while the 
three inner or petaline segments form a reversed triangle of 
rather unequal proportions. It is a very showy variety. 
The variety which has been named Mrs. Moore , also a seed¬ 
ling bloomed during the present year, is one of the most per¬ 
fect in form of the varieties yet noticed. The plant is of free 
habit, producing a fine truss of flowers; these are of full size, 
the three sepaline segments large, equal, forming a symmetrical 
reversed triangle, i.e . with the apex downwards; the three inner 
ones, of which the upper is the largest, forming a second tri¬ 
angle, with the apex erect. The colour is a delicate salmon- 
pink, deeper in the petaline segments, the two lower of which 
are white towards the base, forming a pure centre, and just 
flushed with purple where the white and the pink colours meet. 
We consider the form exhibited in the flowers of this variety to 
be the most effective. A symmetrical arrangement of the parts, 
either on this plan, or on that of the preceding variety, or on 
both, with the varieties ranging in two conterminous sections, 
should be held necessary to perfection in the new kinds now 
so freely produced. 
The varieties belonging to this gandavensis group of Gladiolus 
are those best adapted for beds or for planting in masses to 
bloom during the autumn months. The conns, or 6 bulbs,’ as 
they are falsely called, are kept stored dry during winter, and 
planted out in April or early in May. They will thrive in all 
good open garden-soils, but especially prefer those of a deep 
sandy character. 
