ARACE^. 1 1 



The name of this genns of plants is said to be derived from o, and Kuprj, the pnpil of the 

 eye, as it was supposed to be a remedy in some diseases of the eye. (Diosc. i. 2.) 



SPECIES I.— AC OR US CALAMUS. Limi. 



Plate MCCCXCI. 



Eelch. Ic. Fl. Germ, et Helv. Vol. X. Tab. CCCCXXIX. Fig. 956. 

 Billot, Fl. GaU. et Germ. Exsicc. No. 2143. 



Leaves broadly ensiform, crimped at the edges. Scape similar to 

 tlie leaves, the bract forming a direct continuation of the scape, many 

 times exceeding the length of the spadix. Spadix ascending at an 

 angle with the scape. 



In shallow water, by the sides of rivers and ponds. Local, but 

 Andely distributed over the south of England, extending north to 

 Yorkshire, but it is difficult to say in how many of its stations it is 

 native. In Scotland it is an extremely doubtful native ; it occurs in 

 tlie water of Girvan, near the town of Girvan, and in the Bog of 

 Culzean, Ayrshire ; Castle Semple Loch and Loch Winnoch, Renfrew- 

 shire. In Ireland between Lisbum and Moira, co. Down (Bab.). 



England, [Scotland, Ireland]. Perennial. Summer. 



Rootstock creeping, branched, bearing some resemblance to that of 

 Iris, but smoother, and green above, about as thick as the finger ; the 

 branches of the rhizome terminatmg in tufts of ensiform and equitant 

 leaves, with shortly sheathing bases, 2 to 4 feet long, f to 1^ inch 

 broad, acute, tliickened in the middle, and more or less crimped along 

 the edges; in other respects bearing a striking similarity to those of 

 the genus Iris. Scape very similar to the leaves, from the axils of 

 some of the outer leaves, bearing the spadix at the apex; the bract 

 nearly as long as the scape. Spadix, in flower, 2 to 4 inches long, 

 and not more than ^ inch in diameter, tapering to a point, and thickly 

 covered with flowers from the base to the apex ; increasing in diameter 

 in fruit, until it is about f inch at the thickest portion. Perianth 

 segments scarious, inconspicuous. Anthers yellow. Fruit prismatic- 

 turbinate, yellowish green at the apex, which is shortly pyramidal and 

 the only part visible from the close aggregation of the fruits. Leaves 

 bright shining green, and, as well as the rootstocksj ai-omatic. 



Sweet Flag. 



French, Acore odorant. German, Genieinerr Kahmis. 



This pleasant plant is well known as the inhabitant of marshy districts, and on the 

 hanks of rivers, lakes, and clear ditches. The long sword-shaped leaves are aromatic, 

 and have a very agreeable smeU. When rubbed in the hand they emit their scent very 

 readily Its active qualities Ke chiefly in the underground stem, or rhizome, which 

 has been iu medical use as a stimulant and aromatic tonic. In Norfolk, where it 



c 2 



