NOVEMBER. 29 



Autumn Crocus, also the Saffron-bearing, and the 

 Colchicum, are ornamental, the last kind least so of 

 any. A good Crocus should be bright in its color, 

 and, when variegated, distinctly marked. It is to be 

 propagated by seed when new kinds are sought for ; 

 and to be increased by offsets, which will blossom 

 the ensuing year ; they multiply rapidly ; a sandy 

 loam suits them best, and if protected from mice, 

 their greatest enemy, they may remain in the ground 

 for three years ; but if taken up every year when 

 the leaves decay, they may be increased with greater 

 facility. October is the best season for replanting. 



SNOWDROP. 



. "The Snowdrop, who, in habit white and plain, 

 Comes on, the herald of fair Flora's train." 



CHURCHILL. 



The Snowdrop is our earliest flower, often ap- 

 pearing while the snow is on the ground, a hardy 

 bulb requiring no particular culture ; it is directed 

 that the bulbs should be taken up every third year, 

 and replanted in groups of twenty, at an inch and a 

 half asunder, and two inches deep ; but it is found 

 by experience, that they may remain in the ground 

 for seven years with good effect. The great Snow- 

 drop is similar, but double the size ; the common 

 kind, however, is preferable, as blossoming much 

 earlier, sometimes even in January. The larger 

 sort must have more room, and should be planted 

 five inches asunder, at least, and four or five inches 

 deep. 



3* 



