TIGER FLOWER: 263 



worth while, as it would take several years to bring them 

 to bloom. 



Tigridia conchiflora is a species of the Iris, but not iu 

 them in many particulars, for the Iris will sport in colors, 

 this plant will not; consequently as no new varieties 

 could be obtained, it would be futile to raise from seed 

 more particularly as the bulbs increase fast at the root, arid 

 the offsets in most cases will flower the first or second 

 year. As this plant will not cross with the Iris, there ap- 

 pears to be a difference in their nature and habit. There 

 are two other species of Tigridia, but T. conchiflora is 

 decidedly the greatest favorite with florists. To have early 

 flowers it will be necessary to plant the bulbs in pots the 

 beginning of March, and place them in a gentle heat, or 

 in a frame under glass, to guard against frost, and be care- 

 ful in watering them, or you will cause them to rot 

 Towards the last of April you can plant them into the 

 open ground about two inches deep. 



These plants make a very pretty appearance when in a 

 bed of several dozen. The flowers last but one day, and 

 nature in a measure has amply compensated for so short a 

 life, as the plants continue to throw up flowers ; and when 

 in a bed, from the circumstance of their flowering for six 

 or eight weeks, the excitement created for so long a time 

 is truly pleasing, by their gaudy appearance, making them 

 very desirable even in a small garden. From the easy 

 culture of this plant any person with the least judgment 

 can manage them. I presume the bulbs could be oh- 

 tained of any gardener near principal cities, or at the seed 

 stores, at a fair price. On the appearance of cold weather, 

 if the frost be intense, which sometimes is the case, throw 



