MASSING OF DISTINCT SPECIES 159 
we will take the iris as an example. The iris 
is about the easiest flower to grow that there is. 
The old Blue Flag seems to revel in the dirt 
and smoke of London, and its generally poison- 
ous conditions of soil and atmosphere. Poor 
soil and hot, sunny corners, drought, stiff clay, 
damp and shade, none of these conditions seem 
seriously to affect it. The more recently 
introduced varieties, from Japan and the East 
generally, are difficult to grow ; but as a 
family the iris, taking them all round, are 
perhaps the easiest to cultivate, and from the 
long period over which the flowering of the 
different kinds is extended, one of the most 
satisfactory of which to form a separate garden, 
or even a border. No green-fly to fasten stickily 
upon them, and no mildew, as in a rose 
garden. No wire-worm to devour them, as 
with carnations. No mysterious damping off, 
no wilting away without rhyme or reason, 
as with clematis. Sturdy, clean, and healthy 
in growth, leaves of clear- shining greens and 
greys, of sword-like habit, and always beautiful 
and decorative. 
They are perhaps a little particular as to the 
season for removing and transplanting, but 
where so little as this is demanded, need it be 
even hinted at by way of disparagement ? Full 
