120 THE IRIS. 



many varieties, all ornamental in the bulb-border. These 

 tulips are better adapted for forcing than any other species. 

 T. cornuta. — This is a very hardy species, more curious 

 than beautiful. A native of the Levant, and only requir- 

 ing to be planted in the border, where it will care for itself. 



THE IRIS. 



All the plants of this family .are ornamental in floAver, 

 and of very easy culture. They are divided into two classes, 

 — those with bulbous and those with tuberous roots. The 

 latter will thrive in any common garden-soil, and only need 

 the usual treatment given hardy, herbaceous plants ; that ' 

 is, slight annual manuring when the border is dug in the 

 spring, occasional resetting when the clumps grow out of 

 the ground, and division when the clumps become too 

 large. The former are generally hardy, and should be 

 planted in October, in a light, rich soil, and protected by 

 litter thrown over the bed in the winter. The bulbs should 

 be set about three inches deep, and, every third year, should 

 be taken up, and replanted ; as, the new bulb forming under 

 the old, the bulbs grow down, bury themselves, and are 

 lost. They may be transplanted as soon as the foliage 



