VERNAL AND AUTUMNAL CROCUS. 261 



autumn. When we see the helleborus foetidus and 

 helleborus niger blowing at Christmas, the helleborus 

 hy emails in January, and the helleborus viridis as soon 

 as ever it emerges out of the ground, we do not won- 

 der, because they are kindred plants that we expect 

 should keep pace the one with the other ; but other 

 congenerous vegetables differ so widely in their time 

 of flowering, that we cannot but admire. I shall 

 only instance at present in the crocus sativus, the 

 vernal and the autumnal crocus, which have such an 

 affinity, that the best botanists only make them vari- 

 eties of the same genus, of which there is only one 

 species, not being able to discern any difference in 

 the corolla, or in the internal structure. Yet the 

 vernal crocus expands its flowers by the beginning of 

 March at farthest, and often in very rigorous wea- 

 ther ; and cannot be retarded but by some violence 

 offered ; while the autumnal (the saffron) defies the 

 influence of the spring and summer, and will not 

 blow till most plants begin to fade and run to seed. 

 This circumstance is one of the wonders of the cre- 

 ation, little noticed because a common occurrence ; 

 yet ought not to be overlooked on account of its 

 being familiar, since it would be as difficult to be 

 explained as the most stupendous phenomenon in 

 nature. 



" Say, what impels, amidst surrounding snow 

 Congeal'd, the crocus' flamy bud to glow ? 

 Say, what retards, amidst the summer's blaze, 

 Th' autumnal bulb, till pale, declining days ? 

 The GOD of SEASONS ; whose pervading power 

 Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower : 

 He bids each flower his quickening word obey, 

 Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay." 



