124 BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS. [Ch. XX. 
the class Syngenesia; it is the fine yellow petals of the latter 
vrhich produce the colour used in dyeing; these possess medici- 
nal properties. 
525. The Iris, is one of the most common of our garden 
plants; several species are found in meadows and damp 
grounds. ‘The common name is flower de luce, which is a cor- 
ruption of the French fleur de lis, or flower of the lily. 
526. This was formerly the national emblem of France, as 
the rose was of England. It was adopted in 1179 by Louis 
VII; after this, some kings of the house of Bourbon began to 
use upon their seals and coat of arms, three of these flowers. 
527. When, on the fall of the Bourbon family, Napoleon be- 
came emperor of the French, he adopted the Roman Eagle for 
his emblem. The standard for his army was a gilt-eagle ele- 
vated upon a long staff; it appeared seated, and with its wings 
folded, according to the Roman manner of representing this bold 
and resolute bird. The American Eagle stands, with outspread 
wings, as if still soaring aloft, and protecting the striped banner 
which is below him. 
528. After the ruin of Napoleon, and the restoration of the 
Bourbon family to the throne of France, the eagle was put 
down, and the fleur de lis, or Iris, restored to its ancient ho- 
nours ; the friends of the restored Bourbons were every where 
seen with this flower in the button-hole of the coat.. 
529. When in 1830, a new revolution drove from France its 
Bourbon king, Charles X, the flewr de lis was again in disgrace, 
and palaces and public works adorned with this emblem were 
destroyed without mercy. Some have supposed that the white 
lily is the national flower of the French, but it is undoubtedly 
the white Iris which is thus distinguished. 
530. You will find the Iris a curious and interesting plant to 
analyze, which, after what you have now learned respecting the 
plant, I hope you will feel induced to attempt. The name Ivis 
is so called from iris, the rain bow, on account of the variety of. 
colours which this flower reflects. Purple, blue, orange, yel- 
low, and white, are often seen shading into one another in 
some species. The most common Iris is that which is found in 
marshes, and known by the name of Blue flag, and sometimes 
Poison flag. 
525. Give an account of the Iris. 
526. Who adopted this flower as a national emblem ? 
527. When was the Roman Eagle substituted for the Fleur de lis4 
528. When was the Iris restored to its ancient honours ? 
529. How was the fleur de lis regarded after the revolution of 18304 
530. Why is the Iris so called 4 
