82 IRIS, OR FLOWER DE LUCE. IXIAS. 



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 uj), 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. Tlie 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 colours, have a very pretty 

 appearance 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 insert- 

 ing three or four bulbs, about two inches deep. If the ground 

 be poor, some rich compost may be dug in around the spot 

 before the bulbs are planted ; and if several sorts be planted 

 in the same border, let them be of various colours. The 

 tuberous-rooted are of various colours, as blue, yellow, brown, 

 and spotted; they are easily cultivated, and flower freely in 

 a loose soil inclining to moisture, if planted in March or April. 



IXIAS. 



These are tender, but very free flowering bulb«5, producing 

 on their stems, which vary in height from six inches to two 

 feet, very delicate flowers of various colours, as orange, 

 blush, white, purple, green, crimson, scarlet, and some have 

 two or three colours blended in the same plant. 



There are, in all, upward of twenty species, which may 

 be cultivated in tlie green-house, by planting the bulbs in 

 pots in September or October, and placing them near the 

 light, and watering them sparingly until they begin to shoot. 



