94 FLORA HISTORICA. 



all plants whose flowers proceed from a spathe. 

 ML Jussieu has arranged these plants under a dis- 

 tinct order, which he terms Narcissi. 



The Single Daffodils require no further attention 

 than to observe the spot where they grow, so as not 

 to cut their roots by the hoe or spade ; but the 

 double varieties should be taken out of the ground, 

 with other curious bulbs ; for, by remaining in the 

 earth they will return to their natural single state, 

 which is, by the florists, improperly termed dege- 

 nerating. These bulbs should be replanted about 

 the end of October, observing to open a space of 

 ground the size intended for the clump, and then 

 cover them with the earth, which avoids the vacuum 

 left about the roots when planted with a dibble. 



NARCISSUS. Narcissus. 



Narcissus fair, 

 As o'er the fabled fountain hanging still. 



Thomson. 



This favourite flower has been made the emblem 

 of egotism and self-love, from the beautiful and 

 well-known story in Ovid's Metamorphoses, of the 

 lovely and coy Narcissus, who was changed into this 

 plant, for slighting the fair Echo in favour of his 

 own shadow. 



