It very rarely happens that Linnaeus, in his specific character of a plant, has recourse to colour, he has however in this instance; but this seems to arise from his considering them rather as varieties, than species.  To us they appear to be perfectly distinct, and in addition to several other characters, the flava is distinguished by the fragrance of its blossoms.

This species is an inhabitant of Hungary and Siberia, and consequently bears our climate exceedingly well; it requires a moist soil, and a situation somewhat shady, and is easily propagated by parting its roots in autumn.

[20]

Geranium Peltatum.  Ivy-Leaved Geranium.

Class and Order.

Monadelphia Decandria.

Generic Character.

Monogyna. Stigmata quinque. Fructus rostratus. 5-coccus.

Specific Character.

GERANIUM peltatum calycibus monophyllis, foliis quinquelobis integerrimis glabris subpeltatis, caule fruticoso. Linn.  Syst.  Vegetab. ed. 14. p. 613.

GERANIUM africanum, foliis inferioribus asari, superioribus staphidisagriae maculatis splendentibus et acetosae sapore. Comm.  Prael. 52. t. 2.

[Illustration:  No. 20]

A native of Africa, as are most of our shewy Geraniums, is not so tender as many others, and may be propagated very readily from cuttings.

A leaf, having its foot-stalk inserted into the disk or middle part of it, or near it, is called by Linnaeus, peltatum, hence the Latin trivial name of this plant.  It may be observed, however, that some of the leaves have this character more perfectly than others.

The African Geraniums differ much from the European, in the irregularity of their Petals, but exhibit the character of the Class Monadelphia much better than any of our English ones, having their filaments manifestly united into one body; this species has only 7 filaments bearing antherae, but 3 barren ones may be discovered upon a careful examination, which makes it of the order Decandria.

[21]

Iris Versicolor.  Particoloured Iris.

Class and Order.

Triandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Corolla 6-petala, inaequalis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. Stigmata petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata.  Conf. Thunb.  Dis. de Iride.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

IRIS versicolor imberbis foliis ensiformibus, scapo tereti flexuoso, germinibus subtrigonis. Linn.  Syst.  Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 90. Sp.  Plant. ed. 3. p. 57.

IRIS Americana versicolor stylo crenato. Dill.  Elth. 188. 1. 155. f. 188.

[Illustration:  No. 21]

A native of Virginia, Maryland, and Pensylvania, has a perennial root, is hardy, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation; may be increased by parting its roots in autumn.