whites. A basket of this at our Wis. Seedling Show was the center of 
admiration. White Challenger is a good prospect to replace Margaret 
Beaton. The blotch is softer, lower florets are blushed light rose which 
almost disappears as the florets open toward the tip. I have repeatedly 
stated that I believe Leading Lady is destined to be the most widely 
grown commercial white, and 1946 performance has not changed this 
opinion. Some may object to calling it white, but as long as the florists 
accept it as such, it will still be a white to the commercial growers. 
However, it has a strong rival in Silver Wings, as the latter is a bit 
whiter and has a faint frilling. Either variety will satisfy the 
most exacting; price will doubtless be the determining factor this 
season. Christine probably rates as the outstanding white re- 
lease of 1946; this glad is another of Mr. Cave’s good origina- 
tions. Stocks of this, however, are still scarce. One of the pleasant 
surprises of the season was Parma, formerly Silver Star. This glad is 
early and a consistent performer. The purple throat is pleasing ana 
gives distinction, Heavenly White is early and follows Annamae in my 
garden. The latter is probably the most widely grown early white; 
commercial growers are holding weil to their stocks. Mt. Index from 
the far West will please those who admire a golden throated white. I 
still like Vanwhite for its size and purity of color. Llona is replacing 
the older Myrna, due to its more regular performance. Exclusive, Fair 
Angel and Alpine are admittedly not for the commercial grower but for 
the fancier and exhibitor they represent an etherial group, a well grown 
spike will repay one for the extra care given. 
Oriental’ Pearl, acclaimed as the “Wonder Glad’, has justified my 
faith in this giant cream. As one grower wrote, “It is a pleasure to 
grow one new origination that fullv lives up to advance notices.” At 
this writing, Sept. 8, bulblets are blooming freely, many having 6 inch 
florets. The cream section is not large but the quality is indeed high. 
White Gold and Lady Jane still rightfully retain their popularity. 
Some new surprses are in store for lovers of yellow gladiolus, 
though at present writing it is impossible to state if they will be avail- 
able this season. An origination of Lee Fairchild, a clear, wide open 
medium yellow, heavily ruffled, was displayed at Binghamton. This is 
one to look forward to. From Oregon mav come Mr. Bastian’s Golden 
Arrow. My good friend and associate, Dr. Graff, who bloomed this 
variety this season, states that it was the best yellow he grew. Martha 
Deane was not outstanding for me but I saw evidence of how well it 
can be grown elsewhere, proof again that a new variety should not be 
condemned on one year’s trial. Color Marvel represents an exquisite 
blend of yellow, orange and pink. This glad has charm and will become 
a florist’s favorite, and to those who appreciate color rather than size. 
Spotlight is still very much in the limelight with demand much greater 
than supply. Florida growers find it to their liking as it will open up 
after shipping and still retain its yellow color. Vangold still appears 
to be the best of the early ones. Crinkle Cream was at its best this 
year. Oregon Gold is quite late, a good one to finish up the season 
with. In the deeper orange class, the new Janet Lee, also by Fairchild, 
was a sensation at several Eastern shows. Probably a color comparison 
with Lantana would suit it best—florets however are of giant size and a 
formal spike having 6 or 8 open represents the ultimate in florescence. 
Orange Gold is still outstanding in the true orange group. Bulblet 
germination was however slower than that of most varieties. 
At present Gold Standard appears to be the only new buff of merit. 
The originator is honest enough to state that it will not be popular with 
exhibitors, but it will go far with the florists for makeup work because 
of its size, coloring and number open. From a distance, it might well be 
mistaken for a yellow, as inner florets are golden, outer golden buff. 1 
can visualize the beauty of a spray made up of Gold Standard. Athlone 
is one of the finest examples of perfect formal arrangement. Color is 
pure flesh, opening 8 to 10. Susquehanna is a bit deeper towards 
edge of petals, while Dr. Whitley has a touch of pink at edges. All are 
excellent performers. | 
The pink class is so large and outstanding that it is impossible to 
comment on all, a short review of recent introductions being all that 
space will permit. The new Spic and Span is undoubtedly the top re- 
lease in this color for 1947. Probably no glad was ever offered to the 
public with better opportunity for growers to get a preview of than this 
