300 IRK, OR FLOWER DE LUCE, 



crimson, &c. and some of those with various coloured eyes. 

 They begin to produce their flowers in the open borders 

 early in April, on short erect stems covered with florets or 

 small bells ; each floret is well filled with petals rising 

 towards the centre, and is suspended from the stem by short 

 strong footstalks, the longest at the bottom, and the upper- 

 most florets stand so erect as to form a pyramid. A planta- 

 tion, or a bed of these, have a very beautiful appearance, pro- 

 vided they are well attended to. In planting them, which 

 should be in the months of October or November, care should 

 b taken to have the colours so diversified as to suit the fancy ; 

 they may be placed in short rows across the bed, about eight 

 inches apart, and from three to four inches deep, measuring 

 from ill -3 top of the bulb, and covered up at the setting in of 

 Winter, as before recommended for bulbs in general. 



Those who may have a fine collection, should have an 

 awning erected in the Spring, to screen them from the 

 chilling blast, and also from drenching rains and the noon- 

 day sun ; and they should be looked over as soon as they 

 make their appearance above ground, to see if they are all 

 perfect and regular; if faulty or inferior bulbs should appear 

 to have been planted in a conspicuous part of the bed, by 

 accident or mistake, they can be taken out, and by short- 

 ening the rows, others may be substituted with a trowel. 

 When all are regulated, look over them frequently, and as 

 the stems shoot up, tie them to wires, or small rods, with 

 shreds of bass matting or thread, being careful not to injure 

 the florets. In about six weeks after they have done flower- 

 ing, the bulbs may be taken up, and managed as recommen- 

 ded for bulbs in general, in a former page. 



IRIS, OR FLOWER DE LUCE. 



There are two distinct species of plants cultivated under 

 the name of Flower de Luce, each consisting of several 

 varieties. The bulbous species and varieties are designated 

 as English, Spanish, Chalcedonian, and American. These, 



