BicKXErx: Studies in Slsvkixciuum 447 



widened, but may be even slightly narrowed conformably with a 

 joint-like transverse constriction where the raised line of the stem 

 disappears as if pinched out below the base of the spathe. Sug- 

 gestions of this character casually appear in ^. angustifolinui \\\ 

 which, however, as a rule, the raised line of the stem passes unin- 



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terruptedly into the stiff erect spathe. 



Stouter, broader-leaved forms of J^. IdaJiocnsc appear somewhat 

 intermediate in aspect between ^. angustifolium and S, littoralc 

 Greene, of Alaska. From the latter, however, the species differs 

 essentially in its larger flowers and smaller fruit; it is also less 

 stout, paler and more glaucous, w^ith narrower leaves of thicker 

 texture and less foliaceous and differently shaped inner bract. , 



The type specimens from northern Idaho, Nez Perccs Co., have 

 rather long and broad thin leaves, long foliaceous bracts and very 

 large flowers. The capsules are 4-6 mm. high, and mostly obo- 

 vatc-subglobose often contracted to a substipitatc base. Most 

 specimens from Idaho and some from Washington agree closely 

 with these, although other specimens are much slenderer and with 

 smaller flowers. Some specimens from Oregon and Washington, 

 somewhat doubtfully referred here, bear two peduncled spathes 

 and have stiffer leaves, shorter often purplish spathes, apparently 

 smaller flowers and rather larger more globose fruit on slightly 

 more exserted pedicels. Other specimens, from western Oregon 

 are notew^orthy from having dried uniformly dark and for their 

 long often flexuous and branched stems, and rather small some- 



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what obovate fruit. The specimens cited from California are both 

 in poor condition, and though appearing somewhat aberrant are 

 certainly nearer to ^. IdaJiocnsc than to any other species now 

 known. " 



Sisyrinchium occidentale sp. nov. 



Mostly over 20 cm. high (15-35 cm,), stiff and erect, glau- 

 cescent to pale glaucous green, usually with a yellowish tinge, dis- 

 coloring slightly in drying ; roots clustered, usually coarsely fibrous. 

 Leaves 1-2.5 ^^^^- wide, >firm and erect or sometimes thinnish, 

 strongly or rather w^eakly close-nerved, very acute, the extreme 

 tip often hardened In age, the basal remains of older leaves fre- 

 quently becoming bleached and silvery : stems stiffly erect, usually 

 much longer than the leaves, 1-2 mm. wide, wing-margined, the 

 wings usually closely few-striate, the edges like those of the leaves 



