TO 

 PROFESSOR SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, 



K.C.B., M.P., SEC. R.S., D.C.L., V.M.H., 

 &c., &c. 



THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 



To him we owe the introduction and knowledge 

 of many of the most beautiful species of Irises 

 which now adorn our gardens. To him also we 

 are indebted for many garden productions, the no 

 less beautiful hybrids which have resulted from 

 his skill in artificial crossing. We desire to 

 recognise the value of his long-continued leader- 

 ship in the cultivation and collection of Irises to 

 which so much of their present popularity is due 

 and we have also to express our appreciation of 

 the great scientific value of his work in botanical 

 description and in hybridising. Especially must 

 this opportunity be taken of acknowledging the 

 liberality with which his unique knowledge is 

 always placed at the service of others. 



M820757 



