270 JltlDACE^E. 



Style awl-Hlmpod, 3-cleft. Potl ovate, cuc1ohc<1 in the permsteut perianth ; 

 Heeds numerous. 



A perennial herb with a horizontal vhizonio and fibrouH rootlets. 

 Leaves all radical, in a cluster, thin, tiat, lanceolate. Flowers sniall, in a 

 wandlik(! racenio terminating a naked scape, 2 to W feet high. It blooms 

 in Jul^ and August. 



Habitat.- -\i\ sandy and grassy woods ; widely distributed. 



PuHh Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — foi'merly c'licial. 



Contilitnciiln. — Star-gi'ass contains a bitter princii)le, not yet isolated, 

 slurch, and other common ve;.'etal)le constituents. 



J'rrpiirdluiii!^. — Commonly used in infusion or decoction. The bitter 

 principle, however, seems to be more soluble in alcohol than in water, and 

 hence a tincture wovdd undoubtedly bo more eificient. It has also been 

 employed in powder. 



Medical J'roprriics and Uses. — Star-grass probably possesses no me- 

 diciuiil properties other than those of simi)le bitters generally, though 

 otliers have been ascribed to it ; and as remedies of this class jjroduco 

 dillerent etl'ects, dejiending largely upon the manner of administration, so 

 this may bo employed as a tonic, diaphoretic, emetic, etc. 



IRIDACE/E. 



Character of the Order. — Herlis with corma, rhizomes, or fibrous roots, 

 equitant, 2-ranked leaves, and flowers from a sheath of 2 or more leaves or 

 bracts. Perianth G-parted, in 2 rows, sometimes irregular, the tube cohe- 

 rent with the Ij-celled ovary, and 3 distinct or monadelphous stamens, alter- 

 nate with the inner •divisions of the perianth and opposite the stigmas. 

 Pod 3-celled, many seeded. 



A lai'ge order in tropical regions, but represented in Morth Ameiica 

 by few species. They are generally characterized by acrid properties. 



IRIS. 



Iris versicolor Linne. — Blue Flag. 



Descrijdion. — Perianth deeply G-parted, the 3 outer divisions reflexed, 

 the 8 iniier smaller, erect ; the tube prolonged beyond the ovary, but 

 shorter than the lobes. Stamens distinct, covered by the petaloid stigmas. 

 Ovary and pod obtusely triangular. 



An herl)aceous perennial with a tortuous, thickened root-stock. Stem 

 stout, 1 to 3 feet high, angled on one side, branching, leafy. Leaves eflsi- 

 form, three-fourths inch wide, G to 8 inches long. Flowers large and 

 showy, 2i to 3 inches long, violet-blue variegated with greenish, yellow, 

 and white, with pu)i)le veins, appearing in May and Juno. 



Habitat. — In marshes and wet places ; one of the commonest and most 

 beautiful of wild dowers. 



