160 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
so variable in character, and at the same time so readily 
distinguished as the Iris, the type of the natural order 
Tridacee. The species abound in various parts of the 
globe, growing under the greatest variety of conditions, 
mostly in damp or marshy situations ; but some even in 
dry and gravelly soils. In the various species may be 
found some of our most charming and desirable herba- 
ceous plants, suited to all soils and conditions, either in 
sun or shade. Some of the species have tuberous roots, 
others creeping root-stalks or rhizomes; while others, 
including, perhaps, the most beautiful species of all, 
have fibrous roots. The flowers of each and all, widely 
as the plants may differ in form or habit, have a form 
and beauty peculiarly their own. They have been very 
appropriately considered the connecting link between 
the Lilies and the Orchids. 
Bulbous Iris.—This is the first of the three large 
and distinct sections into which the Zris genus has been 
divided. These are Bulbous, Tuberous and Japanese. 
I. Vulgare (Xiphium, or Spanish).—This is one 
of the most common species known to the trade, the 
bulbs being annually sent out with the Dutch bulbs 
in autumn. ‘The flowers are very beautiful, and of va- 
rious colors, quite fragrant, appearing in June. These 
bulbs are classed perfectly hardy, but they will not endure 
much frost; perhaps it is because they exhaust them- . 
selves in reproduction, as they increase rapidly by off- 
sets. When the offsets are not required for propagation, 
the foreign gardeners push them off as soon as they 
appear, in order that the bulbs may not be weakened. 
The leaves remain green the entire winter, and for their 
protection the plants should be slightly covered with 
leaves in Autumn, in a changeable climate. Most of 
the bulbs of this species, sold as varieties, are seedlings, 
hybrids between this species and J. xiphioides. 
I. xiphioides (/. anglica, English).—The bulbs 
of this species somewhat resemble the foregoing, but are 
