THE GARDEN ALBUM AND REVIEW. 
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added a liberal quantity of well-decomposed cow manure. The soil must 
be dug to a depth of two or three feet, so as to secure perfect drainage. 
This is a most important condition, as anything like stagnant water in 
the soil is likely to cause the rhizomes to decay during the winter months. 
Stiff, heavy soils must be made lighter and more porous by the addition 
of plenty of sand or grit, and it is wise to surround the rhizomes with a 
good handful of sand at the time of planting. Besides the sand and 
cow dung, it is also an advantage to add a little mortar rubble, as these 
Irises enjoy a certain amount of chalk or lime in the soil. 
Depth of Planting. —The rhizomes should not be planted too deeply, 
otherwise the growths are apt to come up weakly, and the flower-spikes may 
fail to develop. In heavy soils, the rhizomes may be covered with about two 
inches of soil, while another half-inch or so may be added in light or friable 
soils. The roots, when present on the rhizomes, should be carefully spread out 
and not huddled together, so as to encourage the development of hairy 
fibres before the winter sets in. 
The best time to plant the rhizomes is from the beginning to the end of 
October. There is no real necessity to plant before the middle of September; 
but on the other hand, it is very detrimental—if not fatal—to keep the plants 
out of the ground until November. 
Position and Protection. —Although the Regelio-Cyclus Irises are 
hardy, it is advisable to plant them in the warmest and most sheltered part of 
the garden if the best results are to be secured. They like plenty of sunshine 
to enable them to come to early maturity. The best position, therefore, for 
them would be on a sheltered border facing due south, and one in which the 
soil has been dug and manured as recommended above. 
During the summer months the leaves begin to fade. This indicates the 
approach of maturity and the gradual cessation of growth, and brings the 
season to about the middle of July. At this time the rhizomes should be 
carefully lifted and allowed to dry in a shady spot for a few days, after which 
the leaves may be cut down, the roots trimmed a little, and the rhizomes stored 
away in dry sand or earth until the time for planting again comes round. 
Mildew v. “ Lysol.” —In the Garden for 
December 16th, Dr. O’Donel Browne, Portna- 
grena, Naas, County Kildare, calls attention to 
“ Lysol,” as a sure preventive against mildew 
on Roses. 
“ Lysol ” can be obtained at any good 
chemist’s shop. It is a fluid and can be mixed 
with either hot or cold water in any propor¬ 
tion. It sometimes turns water into a milky 
fluid, but is not itself in the least weakened. 
The strength recommended is i or 2 per cent. 
of “ Lysol ” fluid to a basin of cold or luke¬ 
warm water. All parts affected with mildew 
should be sprayed thoroughly. A second 
application is necessary in the case of badly 
affected plants. In very severe instances the 
doctor recommends thoroughly rubbing both 
sides of the leaves with a piece of cotton wool 
dipped in the “ Lysol ” solution. He guarantees 
that it will do plants no harm, and feels con¬ 
vinced that mildew will in future be no longer 
a dreaded pest. 
