92 How to obtain it. 



changing to a most delicate pinky white when expanded. The 

 stem or root of this plant possesses medicinal properties, and 

 makes an excellent tonic. 



The iris family is a very interesting group of plants, and one 

 which produces numerous varieties, some of which have exceed- 

 ingly handsome flowers. Our native species, the yellow iris (Iris 

 pseud-acorus\ is one of these, and does well when planted in 

 masses on the banks of a lake. It will grow in water up to a foot 

 or two feet in depth, and is a desirable plant to have about fish 

 ponds. It succeeds also very well growing from the side of a 

 perpendicular bank bounded by deep water, and in such a 

 situation produces an excellent shelter for fish, which like to 

 frequent its mass of semi-floating roots. I have known perch to 

 deposit their spawn upon them. We are indebted to many foreign 

 countries for contributions to this family, and when grown as 

 ornamental plants some of these are very handsome, and make 

 most interesting groups with a rich variety of colouring that it 

 would be difficult to excel. They ought to be much more 

 extensively cultivated than they are, and anywhere near the house 

 are well worthy of the attention of the gardener. 



The bullrush (Typha latifolid), as it is commonly called, is an 

 exceedingly handsome plant, which like the iris, will grow in 

 water up to two feet or more in depth, and is to be recommended 

 on account of the shelter which it affords, and also as a food 

 producer. Where ornaments is an object a few good clumps of 

 this plant are most effective. The lesser bullrush (Typha 

 angustifolia) is a smaller plant, and is much more uncommon than 

 Typha latifolia. Where allowed full scope it is perhaps the most 

 desirable of the two, and is much more graceful in appearance, its 

 slender stems and smaller heads possessing a peculiar beauty 

 which is not so apparent in the other. Both are equally useful in 

 their proper places, and are easily 'kept within bounds. 



The flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus}, now unfortunately 

 becoming rare in this country, is well worthy of the attention of 

 the aquaculturist, and its handsome flowers soon make it a 

 favourite when it becomes known. It is very easily grown, and 

 thrives best where well rooted in a good bed of soil. 



There are many other plants which do well in similar 



