IRISES. 113 



The axis is very short so far as it is studded with the above- 

 mentioned scales, which alternate with tolerable regularity, and 

 have no closed sheath ; from this arise a few slightly-branched 

 roots piercing the base of the scales. In immediate continuation 

 of this main axis rises a rather short stem (three-quarters to one 

 and a half inch high), which bears from four to six leaves sepa- 

 rated by very short but perfectly distinct internodes, above which 

 are two membranaceous leaves which suri'ouud the terminal blos- 

 som. Blossoms also frequently occur in the axil of the last and 

 last leaf but one ; at the base of their stem a membranaceous 

 bract is found turned with its back to the main axis, and at the 

 tip of which, as in the terminal flower, are two membranaceous 

 leaves. These blossoms often remaiu rudimentary, or are entirely 

 abortive. 



The bulbs are formed from the above-mentioned axillary buds, 

 of which, however, the largest only blow the following year. These 

 buds are constructed as follows : — The outer leaf has two angular 

 keels ; with it in general there are at the most three rather 

 membranaceous scales. Then follow three or four leaves which 

 are developed at the time of the flowering of the parent bulb, and 

 whose blades afterwards wither while their fleshy base remains ; 

 then follow scales. 



The arrangement of the appendages on one and the same axis 

 is as follows : — 



1. About three membranous scales, which soon dry and 



invest the bulb. 



2. About five leaves whose blades perish, but whose bases 



serve to form the bulb. 



3. From seven to nine scales which also help to form the 



bulb, and in whose axils especially buds destined to 

 produce the new bulbs are formed. 



4. From four to six leaves which are seated on the common 



flower-stem. 



5. Two membranaceous leaves which form the involucre of 



the terminal flower. 



The transition from one to two is rather gradual, as also from 

 two to three, but less so from three to four. 



While the new bulbs are forming the contents of the parent 

 bulb are gradually absorbed ; it is no longer requisite when the 

 former have attained their full growth, and it dies off completely. 

 The ripe bulb is also represented by leaves (independent of the 

 axillary buds) which belong to a single axis. 



VOL. vnr. T 



