20 NAT. OnOER. IRWACEJE. 



diseases, I have found tlie SaflVon very serviceable; in small pox, 

 scarlet fever, measles, cankered throat, &c., the SaflVon may be cm- 

 ployed with decided benefit; it promotes perspiration very readily, 

 and has a peculiar tendency (o expel the eruption or liumor to the 

 surface of the body. 



The SaflVon has also been considered famous for its supposed 

 emmenagogue properties ; and in some instances I have reason to be- 

 lieve that it has manifested such powers, but in many other instances, 

 though repeatedly employed in largedoses, it has entirely disappointed 

 my expectations. 



Propagation and Culture. The culture in all t!ie varieties of 

 lliis plant is easily effected, by planting the buds of oflsets taken 

 from the roots ; tiie Crocus officinalis should be planted in Julv, or 

 the beginning of August; atid the Crocus satirus at any time when 

 the weather is open, troni September to the beginning of April in 

 the following year; but the earlier it is performed, the stronger they 

 flower. The planting should be done by means of a dibble or trowel, 

 to the depth of about two inches, the ground being previouslv well 

 dug over, and left some time to settle. They may be set either in 

 beds by themselves in rows, at the distance of eight or nine inches, 

 and six or eight inches apart, or in patches of five or six roots in 

 each, on the front of the clumps, borders, or other parts of gardens 

 and pleasure grounds, putting them in varied positions, both in respect 

 to sorts, and the order in which they are planted. 



In the culture of these plants, great injury is frequently done by 

 triuiniing olT the green leaves at the time the flowers decline, in order 

 to prevent litter ; as by such means the future blow is rendered 

 more weak and less beautiful. A\'here new varieties are wanted, 

 recourse must be had to the seed, which must be sown in the spring 

 season, either where the plants are to remain, in a bed of light mel- 

 low earth, or in pots filled with the same. 



