AMARYLLIDE^. 279 



They open in September, and continue a few weeks. Native 

 of Corsica, Sardinia, Nice, and Sicily. 



L. vernum [Spring Snowjiake). — This is the gem of the 

 family. It produces stout, broad, Snowdrop-like leaves, only 

 partially developed at the time of flowering. The flower- 

 scapes rise to the height of about 9 inches, supporting each 

 one large, pure white, very fragrant flower, the petals being 

 distinctly tipped with bright green. They open in February' 

 and March. Native of many districts of Europe. It is too 

 rare and valuable at the present time to be recommended for 

 naturalising; but when sufficiently plentiful, it will be found 

 equally easy to establish in woods and banks as the Snowdrop 

 itself, and being rather later in blossoming, as well as like it in 

 colour and style, it will help in the course of time to eke out a 

 little longer the enjoyment of the attractions of that common 

 favourite. 



Narcissus. — This is another familiar group of bulbous plants. 

 The common white Narcissus and the Daffodil are to be seen 

 in nearly every garden in the country. There are other and 

 rarer species seen occasionally in private gardens, but I do 

 not know that any of them are superior in floral effect and 

 fragrance to the different varieties in those two colours generally 

 cultivated. There are a good many distinct forms, however, 

 which are worthy of a place in every collection of mixed 

 herbaceous plants. All the Narcissi are comparatively easy to 

 cultivate. They prefer a light, rich, warm soil, but the stronger- 

 growing kinds are not very particular as regards soil, and such 

 may be introduced into woods and pastures with good effect 

 and certain success. They are propagated by offsets, and 

 some kinds produce these much more freely than others, but 

 all increase more freely when planted in peat than they do in 

 any other soil. 



N. angiistifolius,syns. N. majalis and N. radiifloms {Narrow- 

 leaved N) — This species grows from 9 inches to i foot high. 

 The leaves are linear, nearly as long as the scape, which is 

 compressed, and has two sharp edges. The flowers are white, 

 fragrant, and the divisions radiate quite clear of each other; 

 are broadest in the middle, and diminish in width much towards 

 the base and a little also towards the point. The crown is 

 somewhat in the way of that of the Poets' Narcissus. Flowers 

 early in April. Native of Austria and the Alps of central 

 Europe. 



N. bifloms, syns. N. dianthus, N. triflonis, and N. poeticus 

 {Two-flowered N) — A vigorous sort, with broad glaucous 

 leaves, about a foot or more in length. The flower-scapes 



