44, POPULAR FIELD BOTANY. 
to obtain specimens if possible. The latter is beautiful on 
account of its glowing colour; it has its stigma shorter 
than the stamens ; the first has it longer. 
The autumnal species Crocus sativus will be described in 
its proper place. 
TRIANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. 
GLUMACE. CYPERACES. 
ERIOPHORUM. (Corron-crass.) 
Generic Character. Leafy, rush-like plants, with the seeds 
imbedded in long silky hairs. 
One species of the interesting plant called Cotton-grass 
may be found early in the season. The flower expands now; 
but the seed, which is the conspicuous part and attracts the 
eye at a distance, is scarcely seen till next month. The 
silky covering of its seeds might serve as the softest imagi- 
nable lining to a bird’s nest; but whether it is thus used I 
do not know. Nothing can be more beautiful than this 
appendage to the seeds of this genus. At a distance on the 
boggy heaths, where the plant grows, it looks like little 
locks of wool floating with the wind; but on examination its 
substance is found to be considerably more fine and soft. 
