HYBRIDS AND HYBRIDISATION AMONG BULBOUS PLANTS. 445 
from this cross, both ways, developed a much later blooming character 
than either parent, so much so, that they usually are about at their best 
the second and third week in December. These hybrids are very vigorous, 
with foliage 1} to 2 feet in length, and with flower-spikes of corresponding 
height. .The range of colours in these hybrids is from pale rose to bright 
carmine, and the umbels, composed of very numerous flowers, measure 
from six to seven inches in diameter. Unfortunately these hybrids seem 
Fic. 122.—Rerenuio-cycitus Iris var. HECATE. 
Showing hardy character and free-flowering qualities. 
to be absolutely sterile, so that I fear it will be very difficult, if not im- 
possible, to further develop this strain, which, even as it is now, proves 
very valuable for producing bright-coloured effects in the cool conservatory 
at the dullest time of the year. 
Narcissus.—Crosses among these have for the last eight to ten years 
been largely made in my nursery, and some good varieties have been 
raised. My observations on this class of bulbous plants, however, 
do not materially differ from those of other modern raisers of the Daffodil, 
and do not therefore call for any particular comment. 
