2G0 FLORA KISTORICA. 



strong enough to flower, and then only two leaves, 

 which are curiously spotted with purple and white, 

 like the feathers of some birds : between these 

 leaves arises a reddish or purple stem of about four 

 inches high, sustaining one flower, which hangs 

 down like the Chalcedonian Lily, or the Virginian 

 Cowslip. The petals are generally of a full lilac 

 colour, but sometimes white : they are reflex, and 

 spread open to the base, exposing the six dark 

 purple oblong anthers and the three-cleft stigma 

 to the full influence of the light and air. On the 

 whole, it may be ranked amongst the most graceful 

 flowers of the vernal season, and when planted in 

 patches of from twenty to forty bulbs in a spot, it 

 cannot fail of attracting general admiration. The 

 proper season for setting the bulbs is from about 

 the end of June to the beginning of September. 

 The roots should be kept as short a time out of 

 the ground as possible, as they are apt to shrink, 

 which causes them to rot ; therefore those who 

 may be disposed to collect these bulbs on the 

 continent should be careful to have them packed 

 in a small box, with earth between each layer of 

 roots, and to have the box with a latticed lid to 

 prevent mouldiness. 



This plant loves a shady situation and a light 

 loamy soil, and it should not be removed, or the 

 ground further disturbed, than to keep it free from 



