1908] HOLM—SISY RINCHIUM IgI 
bundles is also observable in other Irideae may be seen from the 
descriptions and figures in the work of Ross cited above. It is really 
surprising to see the polymorphic structure possessed by Iris. In J. 
alata Poir. the leaves are perfectly open, not ensiform, and the veins 
show exactly the same position as in a typical linear leaf of grasses, 
for instance; in species with ensiform leaves we notice in J. joeti- 
dissima L. the mestome strands forming. a narrow ellipse; in J. 
juncea Desf, they are arranged in an almost circular band; in J. 
reticulata M. B. the band is quadrangular; and finally in I. japonica 
Thunb. the structure is like that of section BeRMUDIANA. A very 
striking variation occurs in Gladiolus, where the outline of the section 
varies from linear to cross-shaped with a corresponding variable 
position of the mestome strands. These modifications in structure 
are very striking, and moreover they are in several cases accompanied 
by distinct external characters, floral or vegetative; nevertheless they 
are not looked upon as being of anything but specific spi Ne 
an opinion which no doubt is the most natural. 
In regard to the almost untold number of recently desided 
“species” of Sisyrinchium, I have examined the internal structure 
of some of these, but so far have failed to detect any character that 
might appear specific; and moreover it seems very evident, when the 
diagnoses of the majority of these are read, that they deal not with 
“species” but merely with “local forms.” 
Brooxtanp, D.C. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATES X, XI, XIA 
PLATE X 
Fic, x —S, angustifolium: seedling, showing cotyledon (Cot) with seed still 
attached; R, prima ry root; r, secondary roots; L*-L3, the first leaves succeed- 
ing va cotyledon. Naidral size. 
Fide GS. 2.—S. anceps: young inflorescence; L-L?, green bracts; digas 
illary inflorescence. Natural size. 
b s 3-—S. anceps: inflorescence, the terminal of fig. 2; P*-P?, — 
~~ > Breen bracts. Magnified. 
Flos. 4, 5.—s. anceps: two youngest flowers of same inflorescence; P*, 
, inner perianth; st, stamens. Mi 
3 was 1G. 6.—S. anceps: diagram of a five-owered i fl 
Tis the first developed; the other letters as above. 
ce; F-5, the flowers, 
