19G FLORA HISTORICA. 



the mingled blaze, 



Forms a rainbow of alternate rays. 



PorE. 



This species of Iris flowers as early as February 

 and March, but it is of too tender a nature for the 

 exposed border, excepting where the soil is naturally 

 sandy, and the situation warm and sheltered : it 

 prospers well, however, when planted in pots filled 

 with sandy loam, or when the bulb is placed on 

 water in the manner of Hyacinths. 



The fragrance of this plant is such, that a few 

 flowers will perfume a large room ; and on this 

 account, as well as the early season in which its 

 finely- painted corollas open, it is a desirable plant 

 for the house, as the 



DWARF IRIS, Pumila, 



is for the open garden, where it endures the in- 

 clemency of our winters without injury, and pro- 

 duces its rich purple flowers in almost any soil and 

 situation, being a native of the open hills of Austria 

 and Hungary. Its diminutive height is its protec- 

 tion against the tempestuous season in which it 

 flowers, which also adapts it as a neighbour to the 

 Primrose, the early Narcissus, and other early- 



