mis. 127 



The species and varieties of the Iris are almost without end ; 

 most of them tuberous-rooted ; of easy culture and propagation, 

 by division of the roots ; suitable for the border, most of them 

 being hardy. I shall note such as have come under my 

 observation. 



Iris pumila, Dwarf Iris, is from three to six inches 

 high, with rich purple flowers, early in May. 



7. cristata, Crested Iris, is another dwarf variety, of 

 the same height of the last, with elegant, variegated, light- blue, 

 crested flowers, in May ; with creeping roots ; a very desirable 

 species. 



7. florentina, Florentine Iris, has large white flowers, 

 in May and June ; two feet high. 



7. germanica, German Iris, is the common Fleur-de- 

 lis of the gardens well known to all. Flowers large, blue and 

 'purple ; two feet high ; May and June; similar to the last in 

 size and habits. 



7. pallida. Pale Turkey Iris. A very fine species, with 

 stravv-coiored flowers, veined with brown. One and a half 

 foot high ; in June. The stems are many-flowered, and stand 

 above the leaves. 



7. variegata, Variegated Iris, is a very delicate and 

 elegant species. The flowers bluish-white, elegantly feathered 

 with blue ; in June ; stem many-flowered, two feet high. 



7. sambuciana. Elder-scented Iris. A very beautiful 

 species, with brilliant, pale-blue, variegated flowers, on stems, 

 many-flowered, four feet high, standing above the foliage, 

 which is long and narrow, or more grass-like than the common 

 sorts. The roots of it are of a more fibrous character than 

 most of the family, and mat together so hard that they are 

 with difficulty separated. A clump of this, with its numerous 

 rich flowers rising above their graceful foliage, makes as much 

 show as any other plant of its season. The last of June. 



7. pscud-acorus, The Yellow-water Iris of England, has 

 handsome yellow flowers, the last of June, three feet high. 



L cailestina. Sky-blue Iris. This is a magnificent plant, 



