CLASS Vr. ORDER 1.] NARCISSUS. 467 



a green blotch on the outer side of each, and striated within, thicker 

 and erect, while the outer ones are spreading. Stamens shorter than 

 the perianth, erect, with very short filaments^ and yellow lanceolate, 

 two pointed celled anthers, bursting by tenninal pores. Style simple, 

 cylindrical, longer than the stamens, with a simple obliquely pointed 

 stigma. Capsule obtusely triangular, of three cells, opening with three 

 valves. Seeds numerous, globose, attached to the margins of the valves. 



Habitat. — Groves, orchards, meadows, and pastures, in various parts 

 of England, Scotland, and Ireland ; a doubtful native. 



Perennial ; flowering in February and March. 



Few of our native plants are more generally known and admired 

 than the Snowdrop, either from the beautifully pure simplicity of its 

 graceful flowers, or its early appearance ; for 



** Already now the Snowdrop dares appear, 

 The first pale blossom of the ripening year. 

 As Flora's breath by some transforming power, 

 Had changed an icicle into a flower : 

 Its name and hue the scentless plant retains, 



. And winter lingers in its icy veins." 



Mrs, Barhauld. 



Indeed almost every poet who sings the changes of the circling year, 

 hails with delight the Snowdrop as the earliest of 



" Spring's voluptuous paintings, when she breathes 

 Her first sweet kisses." 



And few persons who look forward with delight toward the change from 

 winter's gloom to cheering spring's return, will see unmoved peeping 

 through the yet unmelied snow, the appearance of this unassuming 

 flower, which, 



** Like pendent flakes of vegetating snow. 

 The early herald of the infant year. 

 Ere yet the adventurous Crocus dares to blow. 

 Beneath the orchard boughs thy buds appear," 



The Snowdrop, from its flowering about Candlemas day, was for- 

 merly called by the Monks " our Lady of February," which was after- 

 wards changed into " Fair Maid of February," a name by which it is 

 now sometimes called. 



GENUS VI. NARCIS'SUS.— Linn. Daffodil 



Nat. Ord. Amarylli'de^. R. Brown. 



Gen. Char. Perianth funnel-shaped, with a spreading six parted 

 limb ; orifice of the tube surrounded with a campanulate, or cup- 

 shaped crown. Stamens inserted into the tube, and concealed 



