general cultivation. The genus offers one advan- 
tage, not duly appreciated, perhaps not generally 
known; which is, that a great number of its species, 
may be planted very closely together; in fact, crowd- 
ed, without injury to each other. Fifty may be kept 
within the compass of a few yards; only observing, 
every autumn, to cut away a portion of those, which 
happen to increase too rapidly; and at the same 
time, to spread amongst them a compost prepared 
with equal portions of sand and stable manure. 
Where flower beds are sufficiently distant, or sepa- 
rated by low shrubs. Irises may be planted together, 
in masses, with good effect. In some situations they 
may be made subservient to aquatic scenery. Their 
many-coloured flowers will harmonize every where ; 
but not so their rigid foliage. 
Milton did not forget their display of numerous 
colours. Describing the garden of Paradise, he says, 
“ Thus talking, hand in hand alone they pass’d 
On to their blissful bower : it was a place 
Chosen by the sovereign Planter, when he framed 
All things to man’s delightful use j the roof 
Of thickest covert was inwoven shade. 
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew 
Of firm and fragrant leaf ; on either side 
Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub, 
Fenced up the verdant wall ; each beauteous flower, 
Iris all hues, roses, and jessamine. 
Rear’d high their flourish’d heads between, and wrought 
Mosaic ; underfoot the violet. 
Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay 
Broider’d the ground, more colour’d than with stone 
Of costliest emblem.” 
Bot. Mag. 2435. 
