286 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



to reversion. The progeny wants to get back to the parents, 

 reminding lis of the song, "J Jut she is young and can't leave 

 her mother." But age maizes a great ditference. Now these 

 iiowei's, lilve the dahlia, have wandered so far from the orig- 

 inals they break out in a riot of voluptuous beauty. And here 

 is where you come in. We are just beginning to find the pos- 

 sibilities of this flower. For years we have produced new 

 ones of great hardiness, and you will find in the Phlox Man- 

 ual, which has the kindliest endorsement from highest au- 

 thority, the simple process by which a child can evolve new 

 and charming varieties. 



The iris has been rather late in coming into notice, but it 

 has come to stay. The different varieties bloom from March 

 until August. There are 170 native sorts and the hybrids 

 reach probably into the thousands. I found an undescribed 

 one in the Black Hills last August growing on stony blulfa, 

 exposed to 40 degrees beIoT\' ssero. It belongs to the Siberian 

 type. This family now has thirty varieties and is increasing 

 every year. 



THE lEIS, 



Oh beautiful 1 lieautiful flower ! 

 The ward of the sunbeam and shower 

 In garments of woven delight, 

 Of the sunset, Aurora, and light. 

 While over thy beauty there plays 

 Such delicate tinting and rays, 

 Such blending of color and shade, 

 Well becoming a heavenly maid. 

 Ethereal, lovely, and sweet, 

 Thy presence we joyously greet. 



Thy Mother, fair Iris, In beauty supreme. 

 Took all her rich garments of loveliest sheen, 

 The robes of the rainbow, flower garden of air. 

 Of bewildering beauty, resplendently fair, 



