Structural Characteristics 



129 



Dalmatica (Fig. XVIII, page 128); others have both 

 short and long, the longest branch of some varieties 

 being almost as long as the stem itself as, Rhein 

 Nixe (Fig. XIX), Isoline. In some instances (as, 

 Shalimar) the branching begins near the base of 

 the stem, and numerous spreading branches give a 

 candelabrum-like form. 



Amid its waving swords, in flaming gold 

 The Iris towers. 



Charlotte Smith. 



O'er her tall blades the crested Fleur-de-lis, 

 Like blue-eyed Pallas, towers erect and 

 free. 



Holmes: Spring. 



Mint and Flagleaf swording high 

 Their blooms to the unthinking eye. 



Clare: Shepherd's Calendar. 



Tall and clothed in samite. 



Chaste and pure, 



In smooth armor 



Your head held high 



In its helmet 



Of silver: 



Jeanne d'Arc riding 



Among the sword blades! 



Has Spring for you 

 Wrought visions, 

 As it did for her 

 In a garden? 



Pauline B. Barrington: White Iris. 



FIG. XIX. RHEIN NIXE 



