g2 How to.obtain it. 
changing to a most delicate pinky white when expanded. The 
stem or root of this plant possesses medicinal properties, and 
makes an excellent tonic. 
The iris family is a very interesting group of plants and one 
which produces numerous varieties, some of which have ex- 
ceedingly handsome flowers. Our native species, the yellow iris 
(Iris pseud-acorus), is one of these and does well when planted 
in masses on the banks of a lake. It will grow in water up to a 
foot or two feet in depth, and is a desirable plant to have about 
fish ponds. It succeeds also very well growing from the side of a 
perpendicular bank bounded by deep water, and in such a 
situation produces an excellent shelter for fish, which like to 
frequent its mass of semi-floating roots. I have known perch to 
deposit their spawn upon them. We are indebted to many 
foreign countries for contributions to this family, and when grown 
as ornamental plants some of these are very handsome, and make 
most interesting groups with a rich variety of colouring that it 
would be difficult to excel. They ought to be much more 
extensively cultivated than they are, and anywhere near the house 
are well worthy of the attention of the gardener. 
The bullrush (Zypha latifolia), as it is commonly called, is an 
exceedingly handsome plant, which, like the iris, will grow in 
water up to two feet or more in depth, and is to be recommended 
on account of the shelter which it affords, and also as a food 
producer. Where ornament is an object a few good clumps of 
this plant are most effective. The lesser bullrush (Zypha 
angustifolia) is a smaller plant, and is much more uncommon than 
Typha latifolia. Where allowed full scope it is perhaps the most 
desirable of the two and is much more graceful in appearance, its 
slender stems and smaller heads possessing a peculiar beauty 
which is not so apparent in the other. Both are equally useful in 
their proper places, and are easily kept within bounds. 
The flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus), now unfortunately 
becoming rare in this country, is well worthy of the attention of 
the aquaculturist, and its handsome flowers soon make it a 
favourite when it becomes known. It is very easily grown and 
thrives best where well rooted in a good bed of soil. 
There are many other plants which do well in similar 
