2 THE GENUS CROCUS. 



an inch (o.oio Metre) in diameter. The largest corms in the wild state are those 

 of C. Salzmanni (Plate IX), and the varieties of C. sativus, which often exceed an 

 inch and a quarter (0.032 Metre), or an inch and a half (0.038 Metre) in diameter. 

 Cultivated corms are invariably larger than those from wild sources. 



The corm is occasionally somewhat eccentric, the flat base ranging obliquely 

 instead of horizontally, with a larger development of the corm-mass on one side of 

 the axis than the other. This is a constant feature in small seedling corms, (Plate 

 C, figs. 1 1 n,) the mass of which in their earliest stages are developed on one side 

 of the axis of growth; and in some species, especially in C. versicolor, this seminal 

 obliquity of growth recurs again in the ordinary process of corm reproduction. 



The corm consists of an almost homogeneous mass of cellular tissue and starch. 



The corm of Crocus vermis, excluding the tunics, when at rest in November, 

 was ascertained by Dr. Voelcker to consist of 



i; Containing Nitrogen 0.51. 



Such a composition would indicate that the corms are wholesome and nutritious. 

 Those of two species, C. Gaillardotii and C. cancellatus, are largely used for food in 

 Syria, and are retailed in the Damascus markets under the name of Hursinein at 

 twopence-halfpenny an imperial pint. The Damascus variety of C. cancellatus (C. 

 damasccnus of Herbert) was named C. edit lis by Bossier and Blanche, from its use 

 as food by the Arabs. The corms of C. ancyrensis are also eaten in Asia Minor. 



The only structural feature of the corm that need be noticed is the central 

 vascular column, running irregularly from the base to its apex; but this is functionless 

 in the new corm, as it is merely the remnant of the connecting link between the 

 previous year's foliage and corm, and takes no part in the new life-course. 



The surface of the corm is covered with numerous little papillae, which appear 

 to be incipient or undeveloped buds; and it is the development of one or more of 

 these as bud-growths, on which the next cycle of life depends. The position in 

 which new growths are produced bears no relation to the old axis of growth; 

 usually one only is developed, near the top of the corm, and it is generally by the 

 side of, and not directly from, the vascular column of the old corm. 



