MARCH. 43 
This well-known flower appears in our gardens very early, 
even amid the snows of January and February. It is a 
favourite visitor, as it gives us hope of spring; and though 
its appearances is, on the whole, stiff and formal, it is 
universally admired. The petals expand during the day, 
and close at night. No flower is more sensible to the effects 
of light and heat, for it will open even if exposed to the 
light of a lamp; and the heat of a fire will have a sensible 
effect upon it. We have six species growing wild in 
England, but most of them are supposed to be naturalized 
here (that is introduced from other countries) ; as they are 
now, however, frequently observed in several parts of the 
country, the most common must be mentioned. 
Crocus verNus. Purple Spring Crocus is distinguished 
by its stigma (the upper part of the pistil) being divided into 
three short, jagged, whedge-shaped lobes; the tube being 
hairy at the mouth, and also by its peculiar colour. It has 
been long naturalized about Nottingham, in meadows and 
fields. 
Crocus minimus. Least purple Crocus, and Crocus 
AuREUS. (olden Crocus. These two species are found in a 
park at Barton in Suffolk, and are supposed not truly wild ; 
but as they are mentioned in botanical works, it is as well 
