THE GARDEN IN WINTER s^ 



a tithe of its effect. Two grass-green sheaths drape the 

 lower part of the flower-stalk, the sheath on the convex 

 side becoming at its margin so thin and transparent as to 

 seem to melt into the stem itself. The flower-stalk up to 

 this point is of a curious green colour veined with purple, 

 but gradually, as the flower is neared, the purple in- 

 creases so as to colour the whole surface of the stem ; 

 and, indeed, at the root of the petals the stem becomes 

 almost black. Nor is the flower itself unworthy so 

 dainty a support, for the colouring and form are ex- 

 quisite. The falls, which are coloured on the outside 

 a dull purple with centrally some green spotting, turn at 

 about one quarter way from their extremities suddenly 

 outwards almost at a right angle, thus forming horizontal 

 landing-places. The inside of the fall is of a rich light 

 violet colour, running up the centre from the claw's 

 root being a white patch with yellow and dark purple 

 markings, terminating at the horizontal blade in glowing 

 orange. The effect is slightly reminiscent of that pro- 

 duced by a leopard's skin. The standards are bright 

 violet with relief of yellow pollen just below the centre, 

 above which are little stigmatic ledges which brush 

 pollen from entering insects. The flower stalk is 

 definitely arched as though the flower were too heavy 

 for its strength, but near the flower itself the stalk 

 becomes erect, thus giving the whole an appearance of 

 health and vigour. The early Irises are not difficult to 

 grow in moderately light and well drained soil, but they 

 should usually be afforded a warm and sheltered site. 

 Other fragrant species which bloom in winter or very 

 early spring are the soft blue Iris stylosa, of which there 

 is an equally beautiful white variety, and the purple and 

 rose Iris histrio, somewhat resembling Iris reticulata in 

 habit and colouring. 



The flowers which usher out the winter and announce 

 the near approach of the spring, the winter gilliflowers or 



