THE IRIS. 283 



ing a little well-rotted dung. The roots should not be 

 stirred more frequently than once in three years ; and 

 this remark applies also to Narcissus Jonquilla and 

 odorus, the small and large jonquil, of which fragrant 

 plants there should be beds in every flower garden. 

 N. Tazetta, like the hyacinth, may also be grown either 

 in pots or in water-glasses. 



Iris. — The species which peculiarly appertain to the 

 florist are, I. Xiphium and Xiphioides, of both of which 

 there are many beautiful varieties. They are of easy 

 culture, succeeding in almost any kind of soil, and re- 

 quiring to be moved only once in three or four years. 

 The roots are not improved by being kept out of the 

 ground ; and perhaps the best method is, upon taking 

 them up and freeing them from their shaggy skins, to 

 replant them immediately. 



Besides these, may be mentioned the Persian Iris 

 (I. Persica), a low bulbous-rooted plant, with delicate 

 blue or violet-colored flowers, and some degree of fra- 

 grance. It is extensively cultivated by the Dutch, from 

 whom bulbs are annually procured. It is sometimes 

 grown in water, but oftener in pots of nearly pure sand. 

 When planted out, it requires to be guarded from frosts 

 and heavy rain. The Snake's-head Iris (I. tuberosa) is 

 also a fragrant species, and is more hardy than the pre- 

 ceding. Mr. Denson, who has been very successful in 

 the culture of this plant, recommends, in G-ard. Mag.^ 

 vol. viii., that it should be allowed to stand two or three 

 years in succession on the same spot: when, "in July, 

 take it up and divide the tubers, planting them, soon 

 as dug up, six inches deep in a compost formed of 

 half-friable mould, or old hotbed dung, rotted to the 

 consistence of soil. Let the situation be a dry bed or 



