88 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
ERIOSPERMUM. 
A small genus of Cape of Good Hope bulbs, produc- 
ing their flowers before the leaves; they have neither 
beauty nor interest enough to warrant their cultivation. 
ERYTHRONIUM.. 
Dogs Tooth Violet. 
A small genus of very beautiful lilaceous plants, 
found throughout temperate North America. One spe- 
cies is common in Europe. Why it should be called a 
violet, to which it has not the slightest resemblance, is 
one of the mysteries that surround plant nomenclature. 
Although they are native plants, they do not thrive well 
when taken from their wild homes in the moist woods. 
They will, however, succeed well, if planted in moist 
soil in partial shade, but they must have that protection 
which nature affords them, a covering of leaves in 
autumn ; this protects against cold in winter and drouth 
in summer, both of which they resent. The species are: 
E. dens-canis (Dog’s Tooth Violet).—This species 
is common in the South of Europe, and is perfectly 
hardy in English gardens, but needs protection in Amer- 
ica. The flowers are variable, from white to deep pur- 
ple. When once planted, the bulbs should never be 
removed, unless absolutely necessary; and when they 
are taken up, they should be replanted as soon as possi- 
ble, as, if suffered to dry, they shrivel up and soon 
decay. ‘The flowers appear in May, and contrast finely 
with their beautifully variegated foliage. Propagation 
is effected by offsets. 
E. americanum (Yellow Adder’s Tongue).—This 
is the well-known species of our woods; flowers droop- 
ing, brown outside, bright yellow within; there seems 
to be several varieties, with larger or smaller flowers, all 
of the same general character, the difference probably 
being caused by the locality in which they grow; their 
foliage is beautifully spotted. 
