204 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



for the Hyacinth ; only that these will not so well bear to be 

 reserved for late planting, because they are apt to shrink. 

 It is better on this account to plant them in October, or 

 soon after ; at any rate by the end of the year. But they 

 are thought to flower stronger in pots : they like a light 

 sandy earth, and take delight in the morning sun : the 

 more fresh air they have allowed them, when not frosty, the 

 better they will thrive. The earth should be kept always 

 moist; and, when the flowers and leaves have decayed, 

 the bulbs should be treated as those of the Hyacinth. 

 After they have lain out of the ground about a month, 

 they should be frequently examined ; for if they begin to 

 shrink, they must be planted immediately. The bulbs 

 should be set two inches deep, from the surface of the earth 

 to the top of the crown. 



The Chalcedonian Iris in French, Tiris de Suse, or 

 de Constantinople has also very large flowers, and is the 

 most magnificent of them all; but the petals are very thin, 

 and hang in a kind of slatternly manner, which makes it 

 appear, to some persons, less handsome than others which 

 are smaller. It likes a loamy earth, and sunny exposure ; 

 this species must be very sparingly watered: moisture 

 favours the growth of all the other kinds ; but it will in- 

 jure this to give it more than will preserve the earth from 

 absolute drought. It may be increased by parting the 

 roots in autumn ; and during the winter months it will be 

 safer to give it house-room. This flower is called, by old 

 writers, the Turkey Flower-de-luce. 



The Snakes-head Iris may be increased in the same 

 manner, but must be kept moist, and needs no winter 

 shelter : the flower is dark purple, approaching to black. 



The Twice-flowering Iris in French, Tiris des deux 

 saisons (so called because it flowers both in spring and 



