THE CYCLAMEN. 43 



and tuberous-rooted Irises succeed in any light and dry 

 soil. The splendid Chalcedonian Iris is one of the tu- 

 berous-rooted kinds ; and it not only requires a dry soil 

 during winter, but to be allowed plenty of pure air during 

 the whole period of its growth, or it will be very apt to 

 damp off. 



Among the species of late introduction is /. Koempferii, 

 from Japan. The plants are perfectly hardy, and are 

 very free-flowering. The flowers are double and single, 

 the colors pure white, purple, maroon, blue, and many 

 with the various colors marbled with white. They grow 

 readily in almost any situation, in full exposure to sun, 

 or in partial shade. They are increased by division, or 

 may be grown readily from seed, which, if sown in the 

 open border, will make plants that will flower the second 

 year. These are really grand plants, and worthy of a 

 place in all gardens. That they do not flower until near 

 midsummer, when the season of the common Iris is past, 

 will be an additional recommendation to most lovers of 

 plants. Another species, 7. Robinsonii, from New Zealand, 

 is dwarfer than the preceding, and produces beautiful 

 orchid-like flowers. It is yet very rare. 



THE CYCLAMEN, (Cyclamen.) 



THIS genus contains some of our most popular and 

 desirable plants for fall, winter, and early spring flower- 

 ing. They are all neat and dwarf in habit ; all have 

 foliage of pretty form and beautiful markings, and the 

 flowers in every case are beautiful, some exquisitely so. 

 C. Persicum stands at the head of the family, and is the 

 one in most general cultivation. 



The Cyclamen should be grown from seed, which 



