STAR OF BETHLEHEM. 271 



at three o'clock in the afternoon, and this opening 

 and closing will be generally found as correct to 

 time as the shadow on the sundial itself. In Trance 

 this species is called Dame ou belle d'unze heurs 9 

 from the same observation. These flowers have a 

 pleasant odour, and the bulbs were formerly eaten 

 after being roasted in the embers ; but it is so little 

 cultivated at present, that a dish of them would at 

 any season be as expensive as the greatest vegetable 

 rarity. The roots of all the species of these plants 

 are considered nutritious and wholesome, and have 

 been frequently used as food in Sweden, during 

 times of scarcity, particularly the bulbs of the 



YELLOW STAR OF BETHLEHEM. 



Omithogalum Luteum. 



This species is a native of most parts of Europe, 

 and is generally found in woods, pastures, and moist 

 sandy places. (i It has been found in the meadows 

 near Godalming in Surrey. In woods near Ash- 

 ford mill, and Fauler in Oxfordshire. In several 

 parts of the north, as in a meadow adjoining to the 

 copper mills, Derby. Under Malham-cove ; near 

 Doncaster, Yorkshire ; and Kendal, Westmore- 

 land. In the woods on the banks of the Tees, near 

 Greia-bridge and Bignal, Yorkshire. It has been 



