216 PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



L. tigrinum. Hort. Kew. Tiger-spotted Lily. From China, 

 where it has long been cultivated ; is the most splendid of the 

 genus ; propagated by its roots, and by the globular bulbs which 

 are produced in the axils of the leaves. Its beauty has rapidly 

 extended it over the country. 



TuLiPA. L. 6. 1. Tulip. 



The old French name of the plant is Tulipan, derived un- 

 doubtedly from the Persian name of nearly the same sound. Two 

 species are cultivated for ornament, T. suaveolens, L., the sweet- 

 scented, and T. Gesneriana, L., named after Gesner, a botanist 

 of Zurich. The latter has been cultivated to a great extent. 

 These species came from Turkey and the Levant into the 

 Northern countries of Europe, nearly three centuries ago. Cul- 

 tivation has produced a great number of varieties, and these have 

 been sold at most extravagant prices. The Tulip mania was at its 

 height in England nearly two centuries since. The plants are 

 now greatly sought after, and much cultivated. In this country, 

 the florists have carried it to considerable extent within a few 

 years past. Enormous prices were formerly paid for favorite 

 varieties. " Twelve acres of land were covenanted to be given 

 by one person, and 4500 florins, besides a new carriage with 

 horses and harness, by another, for a single tulip bulb, the flowers 

 of which should possess certain almost ideal properties." Encycl. 

 While it cannot be doubted that the beauty of nature is formed 

 to be admired and enjoyed, it is certain that the cultivation of 

 these natural beauties is a privilege and gratification when kept 

 within its proper limits. The admiration of flowers has a moral 

 influence, as well as being an exercise of taste. 



Erythronium. L. 6. 1. 



Named from the Greek for red, on account of the color of the 

 flower and leaves of some of them. 



E. ^mericanum. Sm. Adder Tongue. Dog-tooth Violet. 

 This beautiful single flower stands nodding on a stem about 8 or 

 10 inches high, of a fine yellow color, spotted near the base, with 

 2 long glossy and spotted leaves at the root of the stem, which 



