THE IRIS. 



225 



are by far the most iiumerons of all the hardy perennials. 

 There are about 30 kinds of original peonies and nearly 50 

 kinds of columbines, while there is quite a variety of the na- 

 tive ])hloxes. Though of so man}^ species and varieties the 



THE mis. 



iris have not received as much attention as others. Peonies 

 have been improved and multiplied till we now have about 

 3,000 named sorts with a great host to follow. For years ex- 

 perts have been at work on the phlox with gratifying success. 

 A new interest is being awakened for the iris, and cheering 

 8 



