IRIS, OR FLOWER DE LUCE. 85 



they may be placed in short rows across the bed, about eight 

 inches apart, and from three to four inches deep, measuring 

 from the top of the bulb, and covered up at the setting in of 

 Winter, as before recommended for bulbs in general. 



Those who may have a fine collection, should have an 

 awning erected in the Spring, to screen them from the 

 chilling blast, and also from drenching rains and the noon- 

 day sun ; and they should be looked over as soon as they 

 make their appearance above ground, to see if they are all 

 perfect and regular; if faulty or inferior bulbs should appear 

 to have been planted in a conspicuous part of the bed, by 

 accident or mistake, they can be taken out, and by short- 

 ening the rows, others may be substituted with a trowel. 

 When all are regulated, look over them frequently, and as 

 the stems 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 flower- 

 ing, the bulbs may be taken up, and managed as recommen- 

 ded 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 

 varieties. The 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 alloted for a plant, and then 

 inserting 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 



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