CROCUS AND CROWN IMPERIAL. 69 



apart ; the roots should be placed with claws downward, about 

 four inches distant from each other, and covered up, leaving 

 the bed quite level. The awning need not be erected over 

 the beds until they come into bud, which will be early in 

 May ; the extreme heat of the American climate is, however, 

 unfavourable to the perfect development of their beautiful 

 blossoms in ordinary seasons, even when shaded. 



CROCUS. 



These are hardy little bulbs, said to be natives of Swit- 

 zerland. There are in all about fifty varieties of this humble, 

 yet beautiful plant, embracing a great variety of hues and 

 complexions, and their hardiness, and earliness of flower, 

 offer a strong motive for their cultivation. The bulbs may 

 be planted in October or November, in rows about six inches 

 from the edgings ; if in beds, they may be placed in ranks 

 of distinct colours, about four inches apart, and from one to 

 two deep, which will afford to their admirers considerable 

 amusement and gratification, and that at a very early season. 

 They are generally in full perfection early in April. 





CROWN IMPERIAL. 



This is a species of the genus Fritillaria, of which there 

 are about twenty species and varieties, chiefly natives of 

 Persia. These squamose bulbs produce tall, luxuriant sjtems, 

 embellished with green glossy foliage, and flowers of various 

 hues ; but there are only a few of the most curious cultivated, 

 perhaps on account of their odour, which to some persons 

 is disagreeable. They are, however, very hardy, and pro- 

 duce singular and showy flowers in April and May, suited 

 to make variety in the flower borders, in which they may be 

 planted in August and September, from three to four inches 

 deep ; they need not be taken up every year as other bulbs, 



