AMONG THE WILD FLOWERS. [99 
the bulb, or corm as it is called; inside this 
tube is the long thread-like style rising from 
the germen or ovary which is in the corm, and 
which at length finds its way above ground full 
of seeds. The Crocus is very partial to ground 
which is periodically overflowed with water. 
The species just named must be distinguished 
from the Colchicum, which has flowers with 6 
stamens, and gives name to a different Nat. 
Ord., the CoLCHICACE. 
Among the tall denizens of the water side 
and in ditches, the Great Hairy Willow Herb 
sends up its stems with grey-green foliage and 
pretty rose-coloured flowers, but somewhat in 
excess; and alongside of it, the pleasant Mea- 
dow-Sweet, whose airy odour is sure to call 
attention to its presence. Often, too, the more 
venturesome individuals of the Meadow Crane’s- 
bill, Gerantum pratense, will show their large 
blue flowers in the assemblage which is gathered 
by the water side; and several of the larger 
species of Cress, Vasturtium, and the Yellow 
Rocket, Barbarea vulgaris, may be noticed on 
1 The corm is really a sort of underground stem, which 
looks like a bulb, and is surrounded by network. 
