84 FI.OWl-'.RS Ol- THI-: I'lKI.DS AND Ml'.ADOWS 



li was sacred m Iiiiiii. It is, or was, considered unlucky to pluck it 

 in ("icnnanv, and saiil to draw away the strength. 



it was useil for consumption and luni^' diseases. The Pin-ple 

 Crocus ripens its seeds more readily than the yellow, and after the 

 mature ovary has lain buried in the soil it rises above the "round when 

 ripe. 



It is much cultivated and planted in i^ardens, where it is a useful 

 border ])lant. .Saffron is used Ijv painters and dyers for pigments. It 

 is also used in .sauces, creams, biscuits, preserves, liqueurs, &c. 



Essi:\Ti.\L Spkcific Cha1'L\cti:r.s: — 



297. Croats officinalis, Huds. — Leaves radical, linear, channelled, 

 flowers purple, appearing with the leaves, stigmas dilated. 



