256 LYCHNIS LOBELIA. 



to arrange their colours, and to choose bulbs which 

 have the same period of flowering. The iris does 

 not love much sun, and the heat of a south wall is 

 to be avoided. If the soil be inclined to clay, mix 

 it with peat earth, but the best thing for a fresh 

 and good blow is decomposed turf from old pasture. 

 No care is necessary in keeping the roots they 

 may remain in the ground, but for the sake of the 

 soil they should all be taken up, and like tulips 

 they do not suffer by frost though placed in an open 

 box in the garret. 



Lychnis Of which there are many varieties. 

 The scarlet double is one of the finest flowers, and 

 should not be lost sight of. It will keep in good 

 order for many years with no other trouble than that 

 of parting the roots and replanting after the flower- 

 ing is over, but the surest method is to renew the 

 plant by slips. In July take a number of cuttings, 

 six or seven inches long, of such stems as are not 

 carrying flowers, and insert them, leaving two joints 

 above in well pulverised earth, and give at first a 

 copious watering. A handglass darkened, as noticed 

 in the treatment of carnations, will promote the 

 striking of the slips: but they will do if in any way 

 sheltered and shaded. 



Lobelia, or Cardinal-flower. That variety called 

 fugens is of the brightest scarlet, and perhaps the 

 brightest colour of the vegetable world. This fine 

 plant is perfectly manageable at moderate eleva- 

 tions. Slips will do as above, but in general plenty 

 of rooted offsets may be procured. Place them in 



