HARDY IRISES. 



461 



Europe ; much larger for Central Europe, Dalmatia, Cyprus, Asia Minor ; 

 and very large in Asia Minor, Persia, and the Caspian area. 



To return, we notice, then, that the stigmas have been elongated, curved, 

 strengthened by a midrib, and broadened out on either side into a tightly - 



Fig. 141. — Iris alata. 



spread umbrella ; that they have been endowed with attractive colouring ; 

 that at the upper ends the material of the upper surface has been pro- 

 duced into two crests, sometimes whole, sometimes fringed, dented or 

 cut into an edge of amazing perkiness and ' aplomb,' whilst the under 



