PRIS PAL'LIDA. 
PALE IRIS. 
Class. Order. 
TRIANDBIA. MOXOGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
IRIDE£. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Cultivated 
Turkey. 
3 feet. 
May, June. 
Perennial. 
in 1596. 
No. 303. 
Iris, the rainbow, after which this family is named. 
Pallida, pale-coloured. The name Fleur-de-lis, which 
is sometimes applied to this plant, has been noticed 
under No. 274. In addition to its heraldic uses, there 
stated, it may be observed as the usual mark em- 
ployed to distinguish the north point, both in the 
compass itself, and on maps and charts. The choice 
of this sign was not accidental ; but was adopted by 
John de Giova, a Neapolitan, more than five hundred 
years ago, in honour of France and his owm monarch, 
who was a branch of the French royal family. Though 
the magnet was known at a very early period, it is 
believed that Giova either first adopted, or greatly 
simplified, its use in navigation. 
The Iris pallida is a tall handsome species; and 
its flowers possess a peculiar delicacy both of tint 
and texture. It will grow and increase in any soil 
or situation in which the Iris is usually planted, but 
the most luxuriant produce of flowers is jdelded when 
it is grown in a dry sandy earth ; and on a sloping 
surface, with a southern aspect. It may be divided 
in spring or autumn, but the latter season should be 
preferred for its removal. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 119. 
