MONOCOTYLEDONS AMARYLLIDE^E DIAGRAM 17. 



205 



which sometimes causes illness, and that of the flag is also 

 sometimes attended with very serious effects. The root of the 

 swce' flag, called Orris-root, is odoriferous, and is used after being 

 powdered. 



FAMILY AMARYLLIDE^E. 



This is another small family which also comprises handsome 

 plants, like the daffodil and narcissus. The perianth has six 



divisions as in the Iri- 

 dese, which are also 

 inserted on the ovary, 

 but there are six 

 stamens. The daffodil 

 and narcissus, which 

 are common in mea- 

 dows in many parts of 

 England, and are still 

 more frequently grown 

 in our gardens on 

 account of their bean- 

 Agave, tiful white and yellow 

 flowers, are very poisonous plants, and their odour, like that of 

 most strong-scented flowers, will make some persons ill. The 

 agave or American aloe* belongs to this family, and bears leaves 

 very similar to those of the aloe, which yield a fibre of great 

 fineness and strength, and which are also very much employed for 

 making ropes, hammocks, etc. 



Narcissus. 



* See Diagram 8. 



