1900 SUPPLEMENT—RECENT INTRODUCTIONS, &C. 445 
Tris—continued. 
The Bearded Irises as a whole delight in a fairly dry 
soil like a sandy loam, and the best results are attained 
by not too frequent disturbance. The crowns may be 
broken up every third year, and the most vigorons portions 
planted. This should be done as soon after flowering as 
conyenient, 
For waterside planting there are a host of species and 
varieties available, and these should be freely employed. 
Fic, 464. 
IRIS SIBIRICA. 
Iris sibirica (Fig. 464) and its many varieties are a host 
in themselves. They should be planted a little above the 
water-level, when a fine effect will be obtained. They are 
also good border plants. The common Water Flag 
(I. Pseudo-Acorus) and its variegated form are by no means 
to be despised, as they flourish in marshy spots where 
little else of the same bold and floriferons character is to 
be found. Equally as well adapted for the border and the 
waterside are the robust, soft-coloured hybrids known as 
Monspur, for which gardeners are indebted to Professor 
Foster. Then there are the Japanese Irises (I. levigata), 
which are similarly accommodating so long as when 
located in the border they are assigned a moist position. 
To see them, however, in their greatest beauty they should 
be grown near the water in company with the semi-aquatic 
kinds already named, J. versicolor, and the newer 
I, Delavayi. 
Of the Bulbons Irises the English (Fig. 465) and the 
Spanish are amongst the most popular, for they yield 
gorgeous colour effects at a minimum of cost. Whole beds 
are sometimes devoted to them, as in Fig. 466; but the 
painter alone can give any idea of their brightness and 
beauty—a beauty which is longer continued if the beds 
are not exposed to full sun. One frequently hears that 
Irises are too ephemeral to be used for decorative effect 
indoors. This charge would not lie if the cultivator 
TIris—continued. 
would eut them as bnds and allow them to expand in 
water. Taken generally, their planting is best effected 
from late summer to autumn, and the bulbs should not be 
too frequently disturbed. For pot culture many of the 
Bulbous Irises are amongst the brightest flowers under 
glass. They should be potted up in autumn and after- 
wards placed in a cold frame. All Bulbous Irises when 
grown outside should have a sandy but fairly rich soil. 
No protection in such a soil is necessary in winter, 
although a little light litter strewn over their quarters 
during severe weather will ensure them against bad frosts. 
Irises have comparatively few pests. Slugs are trouble- 
some to the early-flowering kinds, and should be trapped. 
The worst pest is, however, a species of fungus found 
upon I. reticulata, and known as Mystrosporium adnatum. 
It is characterised by inky-black patches upon the 
bulbs, which gradually rot away, leaving but an empty 
shell containing a blackish powder. According to Mr. 
Massee, who stands sponsor for the name, ‘soaking the 
Fic. 465. 
VARIETIES OF ENGLISH IRISES. 
bulbs for two hours in a solution of formalin one part, 
and water 300 parts, will destroy the fungus in light 
attacks.’”’ All infested bulbs which are beyond treatment 
should be burned. The fnngus is very common, and 
terribly destructive. 
To the species, &c., described on pp. 194-200, Vol. If, 
the following should be added : 
Sect. I. Irises proper. 
Rootstock a Short Thick Rhizome. 
A hybrid, with pale lilac flowers, netted with 
It is between J. werica var. 
I, Agatha.” 
purple, and with silver-grey falls. 
and I. Kowlkowi venosa. 
I. Alberti (Dr. Albert Regel’s).* jl. bright lilac; tube less than 
lin. long; falls obovate-cuneate, 2in. long, densely bearded, and 
