200 CALIFORNIA GARDEN FLOWERS 



resulting from too rigid application of the rest-doctrine. They should 

 have good treatment of the soil surface and not be allowed to dry too 

 much during their dormancy. Sometimes the roots suffer in shipment 

 and become unsound. As for soil, it is particularly necessary that it 

 should be finely prepared as described on pages 27 to 31; both the 

 German and Spanish will not be so insistent on this. 



In transplanting irises there is much latitude in different parts of 

 the state. Fall planting is admissible everywhere if the soil is per- 

 manently moistened. At the south it is particularly necessary that 

 planting should be early in the rainy season, for there is less winter 

 moisture in that part of the state, and an early establishment of the 

 rooting is almost indispensable. In more northerly places with heavy 

 rains and lower temperature, one can either plant early and get the 

 advantage of the autumn heat or wait until early spring. The rhizomes 

 or roots should be planted about a foot apart in rows or otherwise, 

 leaving more distance for cultivation between the lines of plants when 

 one is growing many plants for cut flowers. 



Varieties of iris in all the groups mentioned, and in others also, 

 are beyond enumeration. All the florists give attention to them and 

 furnish inspiring descriptions. California has at least one iris- 

 specialist, Mr. J. Dean of Moneta, Los Angeles County, with whom all 

 intending enthusiasts on the iris should correspond. 



Ixias. These are small and very interesting flowers of a wide range 

 of colors pinks, reds, yellows and white with variegations. They are 

 early in action, like the freesias, but are very different in effect, with 

 their showy bloom held high on stiff stems. They are treated like 

 freesias and are quite as grateful. 



Lilies. California is rich in native lilies which have become famous 

 all over the world, and most of the foreign lilies have been introduced 

 to our culture. These various lilies have natural conditions somewhat 

 different, but the amateur can successfully grow all he cares for of 

 them under about the same artificial conditions. These would be a 

 well-enriched soil of considerable depth, of such open character as 

 favors drainage, soil-covering to prevent drying and over-heating of 

 the surface; and in the hotter parts of the state, some shade against 

 sun-burning and always enough water, more particularly for the later 

 bloomers. A lily bed can well be given much care in preparation, for 

 it is to remain undisturbed for years. Lily bulbs should be moved as 

 seldom as possible, and for this reason they must be protected from 

 intrusion of gophers, which are very fond of them. Methods for doing 

 this are given on page 190. 



In making lily beds the ground should be spaded very deep and 

 abundance of well-rotted manure worked in. The bulbs should set 



