AMARYLLIDACE. 159 
straight, or very slightly turned outwards, rather deeply crenate- 
serrate, and often with 6 shallow incisions, which divide it into 6 seg- 
ments, which, however, as their edges are usually contiguous, are not 
conspicuous on a superficial examination. Stamens and style much 
shorter than the crown, the style slightly exceeding the stamens. 
Capsule about } inch long, inclined, oblong-turbinate, containing 
numerous seeds about the size of white mustard seed; when fresh 
these seeds are smooth, polished, and shining, but when dry the testa 
becomes rugose. 
Var. @ is perhaps a sub-species, but has small claims to be con- 
sidered a native plant. The late Rev.W.T. Bree assured me it was the 
form on which Haworth founded his Ajax lobularis; but Haworth’s 
description applies to Narcissus major. The var. 6 is sold by London 
seedsmen as N. nanus or N. nanus major. 
Var. a is rarely seen in gardens. The cultivated Daffodil is N. 
major (Curt.), which is larger, with the flowers deep yellow, the free 
portion of the perianth tube only half the length of the seements, and 
the crown much more trumpet-mouthed. 
Common Daffodil. 
French, Narcisse faue-Narcisse. German, Gemeine Narcisse. 
Our present species, Daffodil, has simply the old English name affo dyle, which sig- 
nified “ that which cometh early,” and it was long before the word was corrupted into 
daffodil. It is one of our earliest spring flowers; it is rare in Scotland and Ireland, 
but in the south-west of England its pale yellow blossoms may be seen covering acres 
of land. In Cornwall they are still called “ Lent lilies.’’ The root, and to some extent 
the whole plant, is poisonous; yet a useful spirit has been distilled from it, which is 
sometimes used as an embrocation, and is also given as a medicine. Most welcome 
are these pretty spring flowers to us all; and in cottage gardens they add beauty 
and grace without expense or trouble, for they grow under almost any conditions, 
‘* When the vales are decked with Daffodils, 
T hail the new reviving year, 
And soothing hope my bosom fills.” 
Herrick, in his ‘‘ Hesperides,” laments their departure in a more scrious strain— 
“Fair Daffodils, we weep to see 
You haste away so soon; 
As yet the early rising sun 
Hath not attained his noon. 
We have short time to stay as you; 
We have as short a spring, 
As quick a growth to meet decay, 
As you or any thing. 
We die 
As your hours do, and dry 
Away, 
Like to the summer rain, 
Or as the pearls of morning dew, 
Ne’er to be found again.” 
