cific Character and Synonyms._

GORTERIA _rigens_ foliis lanceolatis pinnatifidis, caule depresso,
scapis unifloris. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. 783. Sp.
Pl. ed. 3. p. 1284._

ARCTOTIS ramis decumbentibus, foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigidis, subtus
argenteis. _Mill. Dict. et Icon. t. 49._

ARCTOTHECA foliis rigidis leniter dissectis. _Vaill. act. 1728. n. 9._

[Illustration: No 90]

The GORTERIA, of which there are several species, and most of them, like
the present, natives of the Cape, has been named in honour of DAVID DE
GORTER, author of the _Flora Zutphanica_ and _Ingrica_; the trivial name
of _rigens_ is given to this species from the rigidity of its leaves, a
term which it is sometimes apt to exchange for the more common botanic
name of _ringens_; an instance of such mistake occurs in the 6th edition
of MILLER's _Gard. Dict._

The greenhouse, to which it properly belongs, can scarcely boast a more
shewy plant; its blossoms, when expanded by the heat of the sun, and it
is only when the sun shines on them that they are fully expanded,
exhibit an unrivalled brilliancy of appearance.

It flowers in June, but rarely brings its seeds to perfection in this
country, which is of the less consequence, as the plant is readily
enough increased by cuttings.

It requires the common treatment of a greenhouse plant.

[91]

IRIS SURFING. CHALCEDONIAN IRIS.

_Class and Order._

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 6-petala, inaequalis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus.
_Stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

IRIS _Surfing_ barbata foliis ensiformibus glabris, scapo unifloro,
petalis rotundatis. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. p. 88._

IRIS Surfing flore maximo et albo nigricante. _Bauh. Pin. 31._

The great Turkey Flower-de-luce. _Park. Parad. 179._

[Illustration: No 91]

This species, by far the most magnificent of the Iris tribe, is a native
of Persia, from a chief city of which it takes the name of Surfing;
LINNAEUS informs us, that it was imported into Holland from
Constantinople in 1573.

Though an inhabitant of a much warmer climate than our own, it thrives
readily in the open borders of our gardens; and, in certain favourable
situations, flowers freely about the latter end of May or beginning of
June. It succeeds best in a loamy soil and sunny exposure, with a pure
air moisture, which favours th