FEBRUARY* 61 



I'. 



Sow Dahlia seed now, and it will flower through 

 the end of the summer. 



The tenderest annuals may now be sown in the 

 hot-bed, to be potted in due time. I shall name a 

 few Amaranthus, Browallias, Balsams, Coxcombs, 

 Tricolors, Sensitive, and Ice plants. These, if care- 

 fully treated, become a great ornament to the green- 

 house or flower-stand ; succeeding, also, in open 

 ground, if previously nursed to maturity in frames. 

 In this country the very tender annuals seldom ar- 

 rive at any degree of perfection, if not kept under 

 glass. 



Plant now the main crop of Anemones and Ra- 

 nunculuses, in ground prepared as before directed ; 

 for though they will neither flower so vigorously, 

 nor so early, (by about a fortnight,) as if they had 

 been planted in November, there will be less risk of 

 losing them. 



In planting the roots of the bulbous Iris, (fleur de 

 luce) a selection must first be made from the species, 

 which are numerous. Miller gives a catalogue of 

 sixty-one kinds, but florists cultivate only nine or 

 ten of the bulbous rooted sorts, and of these there 

 are but three hardy kinds in estimation, viz. : the 

 English, Spanish, and Persian. 



" Amidst its waving swords, in flaming gold, 

 The Iris towers." 



This motto is descriptive of the English yellow 

 or field Iris, which though the least attractive, has 

 its merits and peculiarities. Its seeds are said to be 

 a substitute for coffee, and much resembling that 

 berry in flavor ; its roots are said to give a nutgall 

 dye to ink. The Persian should be planted in 

 autumn, (else it will rot,) and it will flower in this 

 month. Its flowers are not only beautiful, being of 



