358 THE STAK-GRASS. 



The Lilyworts are cliiefly herbs, and natives of temperate cli- 

 mates. The Troj^ical species are generally shrubs or trees. Besides 

 their pre-eminent beauty, many species are variously useful. 



The Tulips, Lilies, Day Lilies, Yuccas, Agapanthus, Star of Beth- 

 lehem, and Hyacinth are well known garden flowers. 



Crown Imperial {Fritilldria impendlis) is a native of Persia. Its 

 crown consists of a tuft of terminal bracts, from the midst of which 

 droop the large red or yellow flowers. The foetid bulb is said to be 

 poisonous. 



Onions, Leeks, Garlics, are the bulbs of various species of Allium. 

 Quamash, an imponant article of food with the Digger Indians of the 

 far West, is the bulb of Soilla escuUnta, and several species of Diche- 

 lostemma. Asparagus is the young shoots of Asparagus officinalis. 



Aloes is the dried juice of Aloe spicdta, a shrub of S. Africa, and of 

 other species of this genus. 



Squills, a valuable medicine, is the dried bulb of Scilla maritima, 

 of S. Europe. 



Dragon's-blood is a resin exuding from Dracena Draco, & large tree 

 of the Canaries. One specimen has a trunk more than 20 feet in 

 diameter ; but its height is inconsiderable. 



New Zealand Flax is made of the tenacious fibers of PMrmium 

 tenax, a plant resembling a Yucca. The still stronger fibers of Sensi- 

 mra constitute the African or Bowstring Hemp. 



LXVm. THE STAR-GRASS. 



Description. — While the open woodlands glow with 

 the purple of the Wild Geranium, and the meadows are 

 touched with the rainbow tints of the Iris, the humble Star- 

 grass, low down in the drier mold at your feet, unfolds its 

 yellow stars and invites a passing glance. 



Analysis. — In securing specimen '^ entire, care is needed, 

 for the sohd bulb (the corm) lies deep and is anchored by 

 strong, fibrous roots. 



The Ste77i is represented by this corm alone. 



