CROCUS AERIUS. 28y 



Crocus aerius is essentially a mountain species, occurring at elevations of from 

 four thousand five hundred to seven thousand feet, at intervals from the western 

 extremity of Asia Minor to Kurdistan, through 17 of longitude. All the recorded 

 habitats are in nearly the same latitude, between 40 and 41 north. Aucher-Eloy 

 gathered it near the snow on the summit of Mount Olympus, or Kechish (Keschisch) 

 Dagh, above Broussa; and in 1877 I found it abundantly on the same mountain, 

 at elevations of from four thousand five hundred feet to five thousand five hundred 

 feet. Herbert also records it from the Bithynian Olympus, and from the Koolak 

 Dagh (Kolak Dagh), near Stauros, south of Trebizond; whence I may mention 

 I have received a liberal supply of the roots through Mr. A. Biliotti, H. M. Consul 

 at Trebizond. It occurs also between Baibourt and Erzeroum; and at elevations 

 of from six thousand to seven thousand feet on the Teck Dagh, near Erzeroum. Mr. 

 Ball's herbarium contains a specimen collected by Sir A. H. Layard in Kurdistan. 

 It flowers in May in its native mountain habitats, but as early as February in 

 cultivation. It is nearly allied to C. bifiorus; but its red seed, and rich purple 

 flower readily distinguish it from that species. 



The plant is not of robust habit; and is best grown to advantage under 

 protection of a cold frame. 



It produces seed readily under cultivation. 



REFERENCES TO PLATE LVIII. 



Fig. 1. Flowering-state, February 16th, actual size. 



Fig. 2. a, b, c. Outer surface of segments, magnified two-fold: d, inner surface of segment, 



magnified two fold. 

 Fig. 3. With matured leaves and capsule, June 8th, actual size. 

 Fig. 4. Diagrammatic dissection of scape, ovary, spathes, and flower, actual Bize. 

 Fig. 5. Stamens and Pistil, magnified two-fold. 

 Fig. 6. Pollen Grain, magnified one hundred and fifty-fold. 

 Fig. 7. Stigmata, magnified six-fold. 

 Fig. 8. Section of leaf magnified twelve-fold. 

 Fig. 9. e, f. Seeds, June 3rd, magnified six-fold. 

 Fig. 10. Conn tunics, magnified two-fold: g, main tunic; h, basal tunic. 



