IRIS. 161 
larger and more nearly round. The name is a misnomer, 
as the plant is a native of the Pyrenees, but has been 
common in English gardens since 1571. The flowers are 
exceedingly showy, produced on strong, erect stems about 
two feet high, from one to three on a stem. The flowers 
are of various colors, blue, white, lavender, crimson and 
yellow. Like the foregoing, the bulbs should be planted in 
autumn, as quickly as they can be procured. They are 
not so cheap as the Spanish Iris, because they do not 
increase as rapidly. 
I. persica (Persian).—This is one of the earliest 
and the most beautiful of the bulbous species. It comes 
into flower before the Crocus disappears and is equally as 
hardy. It isa native of Persia, whence it was introduced 
into England by the Queen of Charles I. Bulbs of this 
species may be treated in all respects as the Hyacinth. 
They will flower equally well in pots, or in water in 
glasses ; in this manner they may be made to flower all 
through the winter. The species are dwarf-growing ; 
flowers small, of various shades of blue. 
I. pavonia (Peacock).—-Botanically this species 
may now be found under Morea. We prefer placing 
it where it is popularly known. This is one of the small- 
est of the species, but very beautiful; flowers pure white 
blotched with blue. The bulbs are not hardy, but can 
be grown in the cool greenhouse or in a cold frame. 
I. tuberosa (Snake’s Head).—As its name im- 
plies, this variety is tuberous rather than bulbous, but 
more nearly like the latter than the tuberous-rooted spe- 
cies. ‘The flowers are beautiful and curious, green and 
velvety black ; they are very early, and should have the 
protection of a frame, as the frost would kill the flowers, 
if it did not injure the plant. 
I. susiana (Chalcedonian).—This is one of the 
most magnificent of the species, and has, like the preced- 
ing, tuberous rather than bulbous roots. It is a native 
Et . 
