2/S AMARYLLIDE^. 



about this long-established spring favourite. It is knowTi to 

 and admired by everybody. Its culture is simple and equally 

 well known ; but because it is so simple, and demands so little 

 attention, it very often gets less paid to it than it deserves. 

 How few ever look back to the clumps of Snowdrop after they 

 have been committed to the ground ! and yet they are the bet- 

 ter for being occasionally lifted and divided. The best time 

 for doing this is immediately after the leaves are ripe. The 

 bulbs should be placed about 2 inches deep ; and it may be 

 planted everyvvhere, for it is rarely in the way, and is always 

 welcome. Native of many countries of Europe, and abundantly 

 naturalised in Britain. 



G. plicatus ( Crimean Snoivdrop). — This is a stronger-growing 

 subject than the last, producing flowers of greater substance, 

 and longer and broader leaves, which differ also from those of 

 the common Snowdrop in having two longitudinal plaits extend- 

 ing from base to summit of each leaf. Native of the Crimea, 

 and flowers at the same time as G. nivalis. 



Leucojum {S?iowfiake). — This genus resembles the last in 

 general aspect, but is always easily distinguished by the divi- 

 sions of the perianth being equal in length, while in Snowdrop 

 the inner ones are shorter than the outer ones. They thrive 

 well in any good garden-soil. L. autiwinale is very partial to 

 peat, and succeeds better in it than in loam alone ; but, indeed, 

 they are all fond of peat, although it is not essential, except in 

 very heavy soils, when, to all except Z. cestivum, it is necessary 

 to give a good mixture of either peat or leaf-mould and plenty 

 of sharp sand. Increase by division of the bulbs, which should 

 be attended to when necessary immediately after the foliage is 

 ripe. 



L. sestivum {Sum??ier Snowflake). — This is the most vigorous 

 and least valuable of the group, yet is a handsome and pleasing 

 plant. The leaves are a foot or more long. The flower-stalk 

 rises about 18 inches high, bearing a few white drooping flow- 

 ers at its extremity. The flowers open in April and last till 

 June. Native of Britain and other countries of Europe. The 

 plant may be used in the same way as that in which Snowdrop 

 is used for the ornamentation of glades and open woodland 

 walks, but prefers a moister soil than does the Snowdrop. 



L. autumnale {Aiittwm Snowflake^ syn. Acis autunmale). — This 

 is a pretty, little, weakly plant, requiring a warm dry position 

 and soil, such as has been already named in the introductory 

 remarks. The leaves are very narrow, 6 or 8 inches long. 

 The flower-scapes are about 6 inches high, supporting several 

 small flowers, either pure white or white suffused with rose. 



