THE GLADIOLUS

A book for not a large market -- but a growing one. With the craze for flower arrangements came a new interest in the gladiolus. New varieties sprang up, new colors, shapes and sizes. Now it is not unusual to have to look twice to see whether a decoration is sporting orchids or the less exotic but equally ornamental gladiolus. Mr. McClean starts a century back with the history of gladiolus, traces the development of the species here and abroad, in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He tells the story of the various species and the breeders who worked on them. The book will interest both amateur growers and florists.