40 THE BOOK OF THE IRIS 



with a variety of kinds that are not bulbous. Dry, hard 

 growth is usually indicative of dry conditions; of a sparse 

 root system, especially if the roots are long, the same 

 may be said, and no less also the peculiarity of a re- 

 stricted growth above ground. Succulence and a soft, 

 copious root system means that moisture is required. 



If a principle of general application can be given, it is 

 with regard to planting and replanting, viz., that the 

 operation should be performed when growth is about 

 to begin, never when it is proceeding vigorously, or 

 when it is about to finish, or when the plant is dormant. 

 Many kinds, especially of the German Iris or Pogoniris 

 section, may be divided or replanted immediately after 

 flowering. A good growth is then possible in prepara- 

 tion for the next flowering season. Here it may be said 

 that old masses need dividing ; soil gets exhausted and 

 the plants may even form a ring with an unoccupied 

 centre, a state of things which should never be reached. 



Of propagation little requires to be said. It is almost 

 always a question of division, and most Irises can be 

 divided when they have grown to a sufficient extent. 

 Many Irises divide readily, but very often discretion 

 requires to be exercised, and this can only be done in the 

 presence of the plant itself. The time of division must 

 always be when growth is about to commence. Garden 

 forms must always be increased in this way, but when 

 original types are in question it is always of interest to 

 raise from seeds, which should be sown, as a rule, as 

 soon as ripe or immediately on being received. It has 

 been remarked elsewhere that in the event of having a 

 few seeds only, they should be sown in a pot in frame 

 or greenhouse, while larger quantities may be sown 

 either in the open ground, or in free ground under a 

 frame or handlight. As a rule they germinate readily. 

 Bulbous Irises should be taken up for division as soon 

 as they go to rest, because later there is the danger that 



