Planting 159 



If thy strong loam superfluous wet retain, 

 Lead through thy fields the subterraneous drain. 



Scott: Amcehcean Eclogues. 



It is not particular as to soil. It will thrive in 

 either heavy or light soil, but the former, if the drain- 

 age is good, is preferable to the latter. Ordinary 

 good garden loam suits it best. Unless the soil is 

 poor, fertilizers are unnecessary, but if a richer soil is 

 wanted dig in a little bone meal. An exceedingly 

 rich soil is likely to result in rank growth and few 

 flowers. As to the use of manure, see under Diseases 

 in Chapter \ III. 



Irises like a little lime. Usually there is enough of 

 this element present, but when it is lacking it may 

 be supplied in the form of powdered slacked lime, 

 pulverized old mortar or ground limestone. Ordinarily, 

 half a pint of the former, or a pint of finely ground 

 limestone, or two pints of pulverized mortar or coarsely 

 ground limestone, to a square yard, will be ample. 

 It is better to use the lime prior to planting, or late 

 in the season after growth has about ceased; but it 

 may be supplied during the growing season, without 

 any disturbance of the roots, by saturating the ground 

 with lime water. To any quantity of water add lime, 

 either hydrated or unslacked, at the rate of a pound 

 to two gallons of water, and after standing two weeks 

 the water will be ready for use. 



It is thought by many Iris growers that an excess 

 of lime, at least of fresh lime, should be avoided as it 

 may induce rot — a matter that will be referred to 



