61 
Ihere are from three to twelve plants of each variety in the 
Tall Bearded beds, the newer varieties being represented by the 
smaller number of plants. Generally, each variety of Japanese, 
Siberian, Southern, etc., is represented by six plants. Within each 
group, the iris are arranged alphabetically. 
The iris plantings are to be surrounded 
These will be arranged according to height, with a greater 
Immediately in 
by a background of 
shrubs. 
massing of plants at some points than at others. 
front of the shrubs provision is made for planting special groups 
of iris, such as bulbous types and other species which do not fit 
well into the main series of beds. It is also planned to arrange 
color groupings of varieties of Tall Bearded and other kinds in 
this area. 
Facilities have also been provided by the Institute in another 
t of its grounds for growing iris seedlings and propagating 
part 
One of the important phases of the iris project 
special varieties. 
in cooperation with the American Iris Society is that of iris 
hybridization. A representative collection of species and var ieties, 
principally of the Beardless type, has been built up, and many 
crosses have been made. Space is necessary for growing the 
seedlings to maturity, a period of two or more years. Facilities 
for growing these at the Botanic Garden have been extremely 
limited. The Institute has placed a considerable area at the dis- 
posal of the Garden for this purpose. 
It is essential that special varieties of iris be propagated. Our 
Japanese iris collection, especially, includes a large number of 
rare kinds, and it is desirable that they be increased and distributed 
to those who are interested in these plants. It has not been possi- 
o this successfully at the Botanic Garden on any consid- 
The arrangement with the Institute, however, makes 
In the past we have exchanged a 
Bearded and 
pea 
ble to ¢ 
erable scale. 
it feasible to propagate them. 
arge amount of material of Japanese iris for lal 
other kinds, and in this way have been able to build up our collec- 
— 
tion of types of iris. 
Iris Thrips: Control 
The iris plantings at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, especially 
the Japanese varieties, for a number of years have been severely 
infested with thrips, an insect which has done extensive damage 
