348 MR. G. MAW ON THE LIFE-HISTORY OF A CROCUS. 
Notes on the Life-History of a Crocus, and the Classification a id 
Geographical Distribution of the Genus. By Georde MXw, 
PLS 
[Read January 19, 1882.1] 
(Prargs XXXIV. & XXXV.) 
As a preliminary to my forthcoming * Monograph of the Genus 
Crocus, it has been suggested to me that I should communicate 
to the Linnean Society a short paper, as a sort of summary 
of the main points bearing on the life-history, the classification, 
and the geographieal distribution of the genus. 
The Corm.—Commencing with the life-history, it will be con- 
venient to first consider the corm during the short period of its 
rest, at about the latter end of July, intervening between the 
dying away of the vernal foliage and the commencement of the 
ensuing season'sgrowth. Although a Crocus-corm seems to enjoy 
a long period of lifeless repose under ground, the actual time of 
rest may be counted by days rather than by weeks or months; 
for scarcely has the life-course of one season ended than the new 
growth of the ensuing season commences. 
Every living part of a Croeus is annually reproduced ; and in 
one sense there is no continuity oflife within each organ. The 
corm-tunie is the only permanent record of perennial existence; 
and even this, in its living state, lasts but a year. 
The corm, newly matured and at rest, is in form an irregular 
spheroid, varying much in its size and proportions in different 
species, and ranging from 1 of an inch to 14 inch in diameter; 
it is depressed both at its apex and base. It consists of an almost 
homogeneous mass of cellular tissue and starch. Roughly 
speaking, two fifths of its weight consists of water, and nearly 
one half of starch; sugar forms 6 per cent. of its weight; and 
the small residuum consists of oil, albuminous compounds, cellu- 
lose, and a little fibrous tissue and mineral matter. It is ob- 
viously a wholesome nutritious root; and the corms of several 
species are largely used for food in Syria, and form a regular 
article of commerce in the markets of Damascus, where they are 
sold at about 23d. an imperial pint under the name of “ Hür- 
sineen." 
The only structural features of the corm-mass I need refer to 
are traces of vascular tissue, running as an irregular column 
