SNOW-DROP. 343 



flakes ; others Bulbous White-Violets ; but the kind which 

 one calls the early-flowering Bulbous White-Violet, in 

 reference to a kind flowering later, another calls the late- 

 flowering, in reference to one blowing earlier, which occa- 

 sions infinite confusion. These are what the French call, 

 perce neige [snow piercei'] ; the Spring kind being also 

 called violette de Fevrier [February Violet] ; violier hdheux, 

 [bulbous stock] ; campane blanche, cloche blanche [both 

 signifying white bell] ; baguenadier d''hwer. 



These flowers are very pretty and delicate, and look 

 well like the common Snow-drop when planted several 

 together, but it must not be close ; for they require a 

 distance of five inches fi'om each other, and must be set 

 four or five inches deep. Thus they require more room 

 than will often be afix)rded them, except in the open 

 ground; and, after all, they are deficient in one of the 

 greatest charms of the true Snow-drop — the coming in a 

 wintry season, when few others visit us. We look upon 

 the Snow-drop as a friend in adversity; sure to appear 

 when most needed. 



The Snow-drop is the earliest blower of all our wild 

 flowers, and will even show her head above the snow, as 

 if to prove her rivalry in whiteness. 



" As Flora's breath, by some transforming power. 

 Had changed an icicle into a flower," 



Mrs. Barbauld. 



" Like pendent flakes of vegetating snow. 

 The early herald of tlie infant year. 

 Ere yet the adventurous crocus dares to blow 

 Beneath the orchard boughs thy buds appear. 



*' While still the cold north-east ungenial lowers. 

 And scarce the hazle in the leafless copse 

 Or sallows show their downy powdered flowers. 

 The grass is spangled with thy silver drops. 



" Yet when those pallid blossoms shall give place 

 To countless tribes of richer hue? and scent. 



