18 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



with the Onocyckis group and the progeny are comparatively 

 easily cultivated, increase rapidly, and are of prolific blooming 

 quality. Mr. C. G. van Tubergen, Jr., of Haarlem, Holland, 

 has been largely responsible for this group of so-called Regelio- 

 Cyclus irises, obtaining them by crossing Iris Korolkowi and its 

 varieties, /. Leichtlini, I. Sarii, and I. Suicarowi with various 

 species of the Onocylus group. Such resulting progeny as Psyche, 

 lavender, beautifully striped with rich purple with darker toned 

 falls; Charon, rich coppery purple with deep purple markings; and 

 Iphigenia, intermediate in its color range, shoAV something of the 

 result, while the shape of the flowers is a happy medium between 

 the two groups. 



Probably this group has not been extensively cultivated in this 

 country as yet and we will look forward with deep interest to the 

 results. 



We now arrive at a point where it is impossible to make a dis- 

 tinct horticultural line between classes based on botanical classifi- 

 cation, but by dividing the remaining classes and groups into those 

 with and without surface rhizomes it is possible to make a form of 

 subdivision. 



The surface rhizomed forms are more popularly known as Ger- 

 man irises, though the true Iris Germanica is but one of many species. 

 The dwarf forms are greatly neglected, being but seldom seen in 

 American gardens, yet possessing great merit in their range of 

 bloom and the earliness of flowering period. Iris pumila is better 

 known than the other species and, growing about nine inches high, 

 bears in April showy flowers of deep purple in profusion. As an 

 edging plant it has much merit and there are various selected varie- 

 ties ranging from pearly white through clear blues to the deeper 

 colored typical form. Iris pumila is certainly worthy of far greater 

 use than has been the case in the past. 7. verna, another dwarf 

 species from the Carolinas, is equally dwarf, quite prolific in bloom, 

 with purple shades, and blooms about the same time. This does 

 not show the improvement and fixed forms, however, that is true 

 with the last species. The gem among dwarf irises, however, is 

 the crested Iris cristata, only growing about six inches high with 

 light green foliage. It forms a carpet of verdure and bears freely 

 light blue flowers beautifully blotched with golden yellow. I know 



