78 FLOWER-GARDENING. 



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 with a trowel, and by 

 shortening the rows, others may be substituted. 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 flowering, the bulbs 

 may be taken up, and managed as recommended 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 varie- 

 ties. The bulbous species and varieties are designated as 

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

 introduced into the flower-borders, and intermixed with 

 perennial plants of variable colors, have a very pretty appear- 

 ance when planted in clumps or patches. This may be done 

 in the month of October, by taking out a spadeful of earth 

 from each place allotted for a plant, and then inserting three 

 or four bulbs, about two inches deep. If the ground be poor, 

 some rich compost may be dug in before the bulbs are 

 planted ; and if several sorts be planted in the same border, let 

 them be of various colors. The tuberous-rooted are blue, 

 yellow, brown, spotted, and some other colors; they are 

 easily cultivated ; and flower freely in a loose soil inclining to 

 moisture, if planted in March or April. 



