130 YELLOW IRIS. 



it for both these purposes. This root is also 

 recommended as a cure for tooth-ache. Dr. 

 Johnstoii quotes EttmlUler as saying, " But 

 above all which I have hitherto known, the 

 juice of the roots of the Iris, rubbed upon the 

 tooth that is painful, or the root itself chewed 

 in the mouth, in an instant, as if by a charm, 

 draws away the pain of the teeth, arising 

 from what cause soever. He that communi- 

 cated it to me affirmed that he had tried it forty 

 times, at least, with like success. I myself also 

 have tried it ; a great many others have done 

 the same by my persuasion, and I hardly ever 

 knew it to fail." A cosmetic is also made 

 from this plant, and the roasted seeds are 

 recommended as a good substitute for coffee. 



The name of this genus was given on 

 account of the various and beautiful colours 

 exhibited by several of the species. According 

 to Plutarch, the word Iris signified in the 

 ancient Egyptian tongue, eye, the eye of 

 heaven. We have one other Avild kind, the 

 Stinking Iris {Iris fcetldissima), which is of 

 unusual occurrence, except in the West of 

 England, where it inhabits thickets. The 

 flowers are smaller than those of the Corn- 

 flag, and of a livid purple hue. 



