230 THE MANSE GARDEN. 



tanner's bark well decayed must be applied in winter 

 to protect them from frost. After the flower is de- 

 cayed, the roots and stems are first partially raised, 

 and then extended on the surface in order to dry gra- 

 dually. The bulbs, in such numbers as to have 

 any effect, are expensive, and, with whatever care, 

 they degenerate every year from the period of their 

 importation. 



Iris Of which there may be fifty varieties, are 

 all beautiful, and some remarkable for the sweetness 

 of their odour. If placed in a bed it is necessary 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 



