Structural Characteristics 155 



do well in all localities. These are mostly crosses from 

 certain species from Asia Minor (as, Caterina, Ori- 

 flamme, Tamerlan). As a rule, however, the Iris is 

 as easy as a weed to grow, as easy as a burdock, 

 dandelion or thistle, and, given a suitable situation, 

 it is one of the longest-lived of all perennials. It is 

 in a class with the Peony and Gas-plant, one of the 

 "live-forevers". (As to occasional injury by late 

 frosts to rudimentary flower-stems of early varieties, 

 see under Flower-Stem, page 127.) 



Though her form seems so fragile, yet wondrously brave, 



Away in the Northland where fierce tempests rave, 



She wakes from her sleep in her cradle of snow 



And beams on the world with a radiant glow. 



Away on the plains in the drought and the heat, 



She is cheerfully waiting admirers to greet. 



To her fairy presence must ever belong. 



The tribute of praise and the rapture of song. 



C. S. Harrison: The Iris. 



