CROCUS. 31 



inch ; but where it is dry, light, or sandy, at least 

 two inches should be given them. 



Crocuses will flower in water like Hyacinths and 

 other bulbs; but when intended for the house, it is 

 preferable to plant them in pots of earth, which 

 should be kept moderately moist, and in a sunny 

 •window ; but when in blossom, a more shady situa- 

 tion will lengthen the duration of their flowers. 



The catalogues of modern florists mention nu- 

 merous varieties of the Spring Crocus. The yellow 

 is the most showy for the garden, and the purple 

 the most beautiful ; the white the least conspicuous, 

 and the striped the most curious, particularly the 

 blue striped, and the yellow striped with black. 

 Like the Tulip, new varieties with fanciful names, 

 are annually imported from Holland, but they are 

 seldom raised from seed in this country. 



The Spring Crocus is a native of Italy and Spain. 

 In Switzerland it is found wild with white petals, 

 having a little purple at the base; and Gesner 

 found it with a yellow flower on the Glarus moun- 

 tains. 



Botli the purple and the white have been dis- 

 covered as natives of Austria. 



The Crocus appears to have been first cultivated 

 in our gardens during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 

 as Gerard observes that M That pleasant plant that 

 bringeth forth yellow flowers, was sent unto me 

 from Robinus of Paris." 



