places are being filled to make new streets in the many real-estate sub-divi¬ 
sions. 
Third, wholesale destruction is taking place as the result of the building 
of new roads and the digging of many miles of canals, and the dredging in 
the construction of the many levees so necessary in this section. It is quite a 
regrettable coincident that the many improvements above referred to should 
strike at the very heart of these wonderful natural iris beds. 
Saving the Irises for Posterity 
It has been suggested to us by many botanists and floraculturists that 
some one in the immediate vicinity of New Orleans should devote his time 
and grounds in saving as many of the different varieties as possible. We have 
accepted this suggestion and are now engaged in the gathering, selecting, 
propagation, and sale of these wonderful plants and their seeds. In this con¬ 
nection, may we not mention some of the hardships endured by our collectors. 
Our best collectors average about two hundred roots a day. They are often 
required to find their way out of the swamps with the aid of a compass. Rub¬ 
ber hip boots are inadequate to keep their legs dry. They must resort to the 
use of a large cane knife to cut the undergrowth and the entanglement of vines 
with the Palmetto palms, and to keep a watchful eye for an occasional alliga¬ 
tor, rattlesnake, or water moccasin. Automobiles, boats, skiffs, and pirogues 
are the conveyances necessary for these collections. 
The Louisiana wild iris is not only found in the swamps, marshes and low 
lands, but also may be found in elevated places, but always near a natural bed 
where it is always moist. The desperate fight for existence put up by this won¬ 
derful plant is best illustrated by the fact that they will work their heads 
through the edge of a gravel road which has been constructed over some of 
the natural beds. This condition may be seen near Salix, Louisiana, along the 
route of the Southern Pacific Railroad, on Highway No. 90, O. S. T. (Old 
Spanish Trail). 
It goes without saying that these lovely irises should be planted in moist 
places where they will reach their maximum growth and beauty, but if such 
places are not available, they should be given plenty of water, especially in 
early Spring during their flowering season, which extends over a period of 
from sixty to ninety days. We have found many colonies of this wild iris 
growing and blooming high and dry on top of high levees where the roots had 
been thrown up by dredges. They are persistent in their existence and when 
you have planted a bed of these lovely flowers they will take care of them¬ 
selves from year to year, to furnish quantities of cut flowers, in the extensive 
field in which cut flowers are used. 
Where to Plant Louisiana Wild Irises 
The Louisiana wild irises make their best showing when planted en mass 
or in groups in large beds. In estates, parks, and public grounds, several hun¬ 
dred should be planted in a bed, along the edge of ponds or pools or in the 
water where they will thrive. Drainage ditches become a thing of beauty when 
planted with wild irises. In the smaller gardens they make a splendid show¬ 
ing along the walks, fences, or lily ponds. There is also a striking contrast 
when planted with the ordinary commercial irises. We find from experience 
that the Louisiana wild irises do well when planted under large shade trees 
where they will furnish delightful blooms during the first few months of Spring. 
THE CYPRESS KNEE NURSERY—ALGIERS, LA. 
