The Natural History of Selborne 321 



and some not till autumn. When we see the helleborus fcetidus 

 and helleborus niger blowing at Christmas, the helleborus hyemalis 

 in January, and the helleborus viridis as soon as ever it emerges 

 out of the ground, we do not wonder, 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 varieties 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 weather ; 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 creation, 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 

 Congealed, the crocus* flamy bud to glow ? 

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

 TK autumnal bulb, till pale, declining days ? 

 The GOD #/" 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." 



