The Snowdrop. 347 



segment. There are, however, a number of other varieties, and 

 among these are what are called the autumn-flowering varieties, 

 known by various names, such as corcyrensis, octobrensis, 

 Rachelae, and Olga;. The distinguishing feature of the autumn- 

 flowering forms is a whitish line down the centre of the leaf. 

 In our climate most of these show a tendency to come into line 

 with our common Snowdrop in time of blooming. Of the 

 numerous varieties one can only mention a few of the most 

 distinct. There is a large-flowered one, named Melvillei, interest- 

 ing to Scotsmen from its having originated at Dunrobin Castle, 

 Sutherlandshire. Virescens is an interesting one, from the green 

 colouring of the exterior of outer segments. The curious 

 Scharloki, which was found in Germany, has some green shading 

 on these outer segments, but its divided spathes are its most 

 distinguishing feature. ^^'arei has divided spathes and green 

 spots at the apex of the outer segments, like those of a snow- 

 flake. Flavescens and lutescens, which were both found in 

 Northumberland, are rather weakly Snowdrops, which are much 

 prettier when growing than in the dried state. They have 

 yellowish ovaries and markings. The smaller is rather plentiful 

 at Howick Hall, Northumberland, the seat of Earl Grey. A 

 variety called poculiformis has very long inner segments, which 

 are pure white and free from any markings. The double variety 

 is well known, but I have a double one with yellow markings, and 

 Mr Allen has raised one or two doubles of slightly different 

 character. Galanthus caucasicus is generally considered a form 

 only of G. nivalis, though some give it specific rank. 



Galanthus Elwesii, of which I have a flower or two from Mr 

 Davidson's garden, and a dried specimen from my own, is a ver}- 

 distinct Snowdrop from the mountains near Smyrna. It is most 

 variable in size and in the form of the outer segments, but is 

 not a very satisfactory garden Snowdrop. It was at first easily 

 recognised by the tubular arrangement of the inner segments, 

 which are crisped, and by the dark green basal blotch, and the 

 two deltce on either side, but the discovery of a few species with 

 some allied features has shaken this means of determination. 

 It is a remarkably varied Snowdrop in size and shape. 



Galanthus gracilis, from Bulgaria, is the only one of the 

 species I have not grown. It comes close to Elwesii, and has 

 the basal blotch of the inner segments as in that species, but the 



