11 FEBRUARY 1949, Page 15

It was claimed by 'one of the greatest specialists on

the genus that you could have an iris in blossom in every month of the year. Most of us would meet a blank month in late autumn, but what might be thought the most unlikely months are now Liall of irises. Iris stylosa is still giving me handfuls of its delicate and most delicately scented blooms ; but it is accompanied—in neighbours' gardens—by some of the newer types of the much metamorphosed iris reticttlata, which is as lovely in the out-of- door bed as stylosa in its indoor vase. This species, in its several varieties, unlike most other sorts, has the advantage of consenting to a mutual relation with other plants. Since writing the above I see that the Iris Society has issued a most elaborate year book. W. BEACH THOMAS.