THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



7 



includes the gladiolus, crocus, freesia, ixia and many others. 

 The little blue-eyed grass of damp meadows is a sort of poor 

 relation of the more regal members. The family (Iridaceae) 

 is especially well represented in South Africa, but the irises are 

 all plants of the northern hemisphere though a few extend their 



The tall growth of the Siberian Iris is characteristic. 

 (Courtesy o£ Medians' Garden Bulletin.) 



range to the countries south of the Mediterranean. The dry 

 region extending from Asia Minor to Persia seems to be the 

 headquarters of the genus, just as South Africa is for the 

 gladiolus, but irises are also found in Japan, Siberia and 

 throughout Europe and North America. 



