102 



open far, and sonielimes also purplish at first appearing. Tliere is 

 frequently only one flower, but never more than two flowers on a 

 root; lliey never rise above the leaves, or the leaves much higher than 

 them, whilst they last; they are smaller than those of colchicum; at 

 first are of a pale red or deep blush colour, but afterwards change to 

 a bright purple, and continue long in beaut}', if the weather be not 

 severe. After the flowers are past, the leaves grow to the length of ■ 

 four or five inches, and in the middle of them the seed-vessel rises up. 



It has the habit of colchicum, but diflers in having only one style: ' 

 from the crocus, which it much resembles, it is also distinguished by 

 the number of its stamens. It is a native of Spain, &c. 



Cithiire. — Tiiis may be increased by oft-sets removed at the time 

 when the flower and leaf decay, every second or third year; also by 

 sowing the seed in pots filled with loamy earth, in autunm, shelter- 

 ing them in a frame from frost during the winter: the plants appear 

 in spring, which, on the decay of the leaves, should be taken up for 

 planting in the borders in the following autumn, where they flower 

 the year following. 



When the roots are not frequently taken up, they flower much 

 stronger, and produce a greater increase than when treated in the 

 contrary manner. 



The plants should have a warm situation, and fresh soil that has 

 ijot been improved by manure. 



They aftbrd an agreeable variety in beds, borders, and clumps, 

 of pleasure and other grounds. 



. 3. B L I T U M C A P I TAT U M. 



BERRY- HEADED STRAWBERRY-BLITE. 



Tins genus comprises different ])lanls of the annual herbaceous 

 ornamenlal kind. Tiie Bliie, or Strawberry Spinach. 



It belongs to the class and order Monandria Dlgi/niOi and ranks 

 in the natural order of Holoracea. 



