From a single rhizome planted in 

 1942 this crowded clump was overdue 

 for dividing in 1947. Note rhizomes 

 growing over one another in center of 

 clump. 



After being dug, clump was cleaned 

 with steam from hose. Note that healthy, 

 growing rhizomes circle the clump, 

 while those in center have very few 

 white feeding roots. 



HOW TO DIVIDE 



Healthy, growing rhizomes are sep- 

 arated from old hloomstalks. Some pre- 

 fer "doubles" as in foreground for re- 

 planting. Wash rhizomes thoroughly be- 

 fore replanting. 



The above series of pictures is taken from the new book 

 "THE IRIS, AN IDEAL HARDY PERENNIAL," recently 

 published by the American Iris Society. It has been a long time 

 since a good Iris book has been available, especiallv one of an 

 up-to-date nature. This one is as nearly complete as the experts 

 have been able to make it — chapters on the various groups, 

 types and species, every phase of culture, the fine points of 

 Iris breeding, diseases and pests, all about the American Iris 

 Society, Iris judging, photography, uses of Irises in the garden, 

 and so on. 224 pages, well illustrated. Heavy, leather-like 

 paper binding, ^1.50; permanent cloth binding, ^2.50. Send 

 your order to us and we will ship promptly. 



JOIN THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY, membership in 

 which will bring you four meaty bulletins per year. This is the 

 best way to keep informed on Iris progress, the latest awards, 

 what the experts think. These bulletins are really books them- 

 selves, generally conlaining 100 pages or over per copy. Dues 

 $3.50 per year and well worth it. Send your remittance to us, 

 we will enter membership for you. 



TO CUSTOMERS IN CANADA: We ship many orders to 

 Canada every year. There is a simple procedure which all 

 Canadians must follow, however, in order to import Iris or 

 other plant material. Make out the list of items wanted, state 

 name and address of firm you are ordering from and send it to 

 the Plant Import Division of your Department of Agriculture 

 at Ottawa. They in turn will send you a permit number and 

 labels. Then you send your order, including the permit label, to 

 us in the usual way. 



A FEW CULTURAL TIPS: While it is true that Irises 

 are among the easiest of all plants to grow, anyone who plans 

 to grow even a few Irises should not be content to achieve mere- 

 ly indifferent results. Most Irises will succeed well in any type 

 of soil from almost pure sand to stiff clay. Where one may 

 choose, a medium heavy, fairly well enriched soil — in other 

 words, ordinary good garden soil — is to be preferred. Go easy 

 on fertilizers, especially animal fertilizer; this sometimes pro- 

 motes lush growth and eventual rot! Bone meal, well worked 

 in, is safe, and good. 



Don't plant in deeply shaded situation, and avoid places 

 where roots of large trees or big shrubs rob the soil of plcUit 

 food and moisture. Be sure drainage is good. 



Plant at least two feet apart; after first year, sparse appear- 

 ance will have vanished. If immediate effect is desired, plant in 

 groups of three of a kind, about a foot apart, the groups at 3- 

 foot intervals. 



DISEASES AND PESTS: Although comparatively free 

 from garden enemies, soft rot of the rhizomes or spotting of the 

 foliage sometimes manifests itself. The former, usually the re- 

 sult of poor drainage or an over-wet season, can be controlled 

 by cutting back to sound tissue or replanting. Leaf spot, like 

 the measles, is not fatal. Cut away and burn infected foliage 

 and dust with copper or Bordeaux solution. For Iris borer, or 

 more detailed information on any of these subjects, drop a post 

 card and ask for our 3-page leaflet on "Culture of Bearded 

 Iris." It was included as an insert in last year's catalog, but it 

 will be sent without charge to anyone requesting it. 



This catalog is free to all customers of record over a 

 two-year period, otherwise copies may be obtained 

 for 25c and this amount deducted from first order. 



[46] 



