46 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



until the bloom begins to fade. The corolla, of irregular seg- 

 ments, is l|in. across when expanded ; the stamens are half the 

 length of the petal-like segments, and carry anthers of exquisite 

 beauty, especially when young, then they are orange colour, 

 divided like a pair of half -opened shells, and edged with choco- 

 late ; the styles are a delicate pale green, and rather longer than 

 the stamens. The leaves, as already stated, are channelled, 

 broadest at the base, tapering to a point, which is rather 

 twisted; they are 2in. long during the blooming period, of a 

 deep green colour, stiff, but spreading, forming a pretty accurate 

 triangle. This description, together with the cut, will suggest 

 both the uses and positions in which it should be planted ; if a 

 single blossom, when brought indoors, proves strongly fragrant, 

 it is easy to imagine what a clump must be in the garden. 

 Like those of the colchicum, its flowers are quickly developed ; 

 the leaves grow longer afterwards, and die off in summer. 



It thrives in a sandy loam or leaf soil, in a sunny part, and 

 increases itself at the roots like the saffrons. 



Flowering period, February and March. 



Bulbocodium Vernum. 



SPRING BULBOCODIUM, or SPRING SAFFRON ; Nat. Ord. 



MELANTHACE^:. 



IN mild winters, sheltered positions, and light vegetable soil, 

 this bulbous plant may be seen in blossom from January to 

 March. The flowers appear before the leaves, and may, at 

 the first glance, be taken for lilac-coloured croci. Up to a 

 certain stage, however, the colour gradually improves in the 

 direction of purple, and where there are established patches 

 it is no inconsiderable part of the effect caused by this desirable 

 winter flower to see it 'a mass of bloom in many shades, ranging 

 from white (as in the bud state) to a lively purple. It is an old 

 plant in English gardens, and is largely found wild in mid- 

 Europe. It came from Spain as early as 1629. Still, it is not 

 generally known or grown ; but within the last few years it has 

 come to the fore, with a host of other hardy and early-flowering 

 subjects. The natural order in which it is classed includes many 

 beautiful genera, both as regards their floral effect and anatomical 

 structures. Veratrum, Uvularia, and Colchicum are, perhaps, 

 the more familiar, and the last-mentioned genus is a very nearly 

 allied one. A feature of the genus Bulbocodium is implied by the 

 name itself, which means " a wool-covered bulb." This quality, 

 however, will be more observable when the bulb is in a dormant 

 state ; it exists under the envelope. The crocus or saffron-like 

 flowers are aptly named "Spring Saffron," though there is a 

 great botanical difference to be seen between this genus and that 

 of Colchicum when the flower is dissected. The bloom is produced 



