IRIS. 



IOg 



named it from iris, the eye ; alluding to the variety 

 and beauty of the colors of its flowers. The Iris is 

 found in damp regions in every quarter of the globe, 

 and has been cultivated in gardens more than three 

 hundred years. The flowers of some of the species 

 have a rich fragrance and rare combination of 

 colors. Of the many hundred varieties the bulbous- 

 rooted are the only ones that should be grown in 

 pots. 



SOIL AND GENERAL TREATMENT. 



The Iris thrives best in a soil of sandy loam and 

 leaf-mold. 



Water them freely when in full growth, and very 

 little at other times. 



They are increased by seeds, or offsets from the 

 roots. For winter blooming three or four bulbs 

 may be planted in a six-inch pot in September or 

 October, and kept in a cold frame or cellar until 

 they are wanted for flowering, when they may be. 

 brought to the window, the varieties which bloom 

 earliest first. Water them moderately and increase 

 the supply as growth advances. After blooming 

 they will require no water until October, when they 

 should be re-potted in fresh soil. 



VARIETIES. 



Iris Pavonia, or Peacock Iris, well adapted for pots, the bulbs 

 are no larger than peas. 



/. Persica, possessing a delicious fragrance equal to that of the 

 violet ; the colors white, blue, purple and violet. 



/. Susiana, the most desirable variety for winter, as it blooms 



