IRIDE^E. 



233 



of the leaf answers really to one half of the lower surface. 

 Observe, also, the stamens concealed under arching, 

 petal -like stigmas ; the stigmatic surface is confined to a 

 transverse line on the under surface of the latter. 



Several handsome garden species belong to this Order, 

 as the Blue Flag (/. germanica\ and White Flag (7. 

 florentina), two of the species the rhizome of which is 

 dried as Orris Root ; also the genera Gladiolus and 

 Crocus. From a purple-flowered species of Crocus (C. 

 sativus\ Saffron, formerly in great esteem as a drug, is 

 obtained. It consists of the stigmas pressed into cakes 

 and dried. This Crocus used to be cultivated at Saffron 

 Walden, in Essex, which place was chartered with arms, 

 bearing three Saffron Crocuses, by Edward VI. An acre 

 produced from 8 Ibs. to 20 Ibs. of Saffron. It is given to 

 sick canaries, but its reputation has long been lost, and 

 it is now chiefly used to colour other medicines. It is 

 stated that a single grain of Saffron will impart distinct 

 coloration to ten gallons of water. 



70. Natural Order Amaryllideae. The Amaryllis 

 Family, 



DISTRIBUTION. Widely scattered through tropical 

 and temperate countries of both hemispheres, numerous 

 in the Mediterranean region and at the Cape of Good 

 Hope. British genera 3, species 4. 



Herbs. Perianth-segments 6. Stamens 6. Ovary inferior. 



Type Daffodil (Narcissus pseudo-narcissus). 



A bulbous herb, with radical linear leaves, a mem- 

 branous spathaceous bract, and showy solitary regular 

 flower, borne upon an erect glabrous scape. 



; Seeds. Indefinite, albuminous. 



