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XIX. Some Observations on Iris susiana of Linneus, and on the 
natural Order of Aquilaria. In a Letter to Alexander Mac- 
Leay, Fs. sq. F.R.S. Sec. Linn. Soc. By Sir James Edward 
Smith M. D. F.R.S. P.L.S. 
Read June 16, 1812. 
Dear Sır, 
DisarProınteo in my last hope, of the pleasure of attending the 
concluding meeting, for this season, of the Linnean Society, 
which the state of my health has rendered impracticable, I am 
still unwilling that the meeting. should pass by without some tes- 
timony of remembrance on my part, however trifling may be 
what I have to communicate. My botanical observations have 
been of late confined to my own very small garden, but no 
theatre is too confined for a person who wishes to use his eyes 
with attention. ‘The Iris susiana of Linneeus, or Chalcedonian 
Iris, which has flowered very finely last week, has suggested some 
observations, with which I will now venture to trouble.you. I 
know not how this species came to be mentioned in the Hortus 
Kewensis as blossoming in March and April. I have never seen 
its flowers but in the early part of June, and during a very short 
period, perhaps ten days, only. 
There appear to be two distinct varieties, if not species, com- 
prehended under the above name. One of these is Iris susiana 
major variegata, of Swertius’ Florilegium, tab. 38. f. 2. This is 
figured in Curtiss Magazine, ¢. 91, tolerably well, though the 
voL. XI. 2u colouring 
