Structural Cbaracti'nstics 



129 



Dalmatica (Fig. XMII, page 12S); others have both 

 short and long, the longest branch of some varieties 

 being almost as long as the stem itself — as, Rhein 

 Xixe (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 \va\"ing swords, in flaming gold 

 The Iris towers. 



Charlotte Smith. 



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

 Like blue-e}-ed Pallas, towers erect and 

 free. 



Holmes: Spring. 



Mint and Flagleaf swording high 

 Their blooms to the unthinking e}'e. 



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 

 W rought visions, 

 As it did for her 

 In a garden? 



Pauline B. Harrington: H'hite Iris. 



Fig. XIX.— Rhein Xi 



