EPIGYNE^ 3og 



In Devonshire there is a superstition as to the 

 plucking of single flowers and the prosperity of the 

 farm produce, as to which a writer says : 



" A friend was staying at a farm-house near 

 Christow, and one day plucked a Daffodil and placed 

 it in his button-hole. On his return he laid the 

 flower on the table ; but the servant coming in soon 

 after, demanded who had brought in that daffodil, 

 adding, ' We shall have no ducks this year.' " The 

 writer adds, *' A single flower is unlucky for the 

 duckHngs ; but if a handful is brought in, it is in 

 their favour, and the season will be fortunate." 



Daffodils as Lents or Lent Lilies are sold in 

 Lancashire for pins. The name Daff-a-down-dillies 

 we owe to Spenser. 



" Strew me the green round with Dafif-a-down-dillies 

 And Cowslips, and King-cups, and loved Lilies." 



Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus. — In Fig. 83 note 

 the flat blunt leaves. The edge of the corona isfn'lled. 

 Within it are seen the stamens and stigma. 



Snowdrop {Galanthus nivalis). 



In the English name Snowdrop is suggested the 

 pure white drooping flower. The Latin names refer 

 to the same character or colour, milk-like or snow- 

 like. 



One might also regard the Snowdrop as a national 

 flower. It is so generally grown and so well-loved. 

 But it is hardly native, save perhaps in Hereford, 

 and Denbigh. Though not native save in these 



