30 IRIS BICOLOR. 
pit, or a small greenhouse in which raised beds exist for planting out a few of the 
rarer dwarf exotics. But it is essential that the aspect of the structure in which it 
is located (at least for the summer) be such that the stronger rays of the sun may 
never reach it. Its lovely blossoms will not endure direct sunshine, and if the 
house in which it is preserved be open to the south, it will require shading in the 
flowering season. 
Further than this, it demands no particular tendance, and might be even placed 
in the open border during the warmer months, could it be conveniently and 
partially protected from the violence of the solar rays. It must, however, be 
housed in winter. A rich loamy soil, with which a little heath-mould can be 
blended, will form an appropriate compost ; and the species is propagated by 
division at the roots. It should be guarded from too much dampness in winter. 
Iris^ literally meaning the eye, is used to designate this genus from the variety 
and clearness of colour in the flowers of the species. 
