OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 107 



It may be useful to give a few of the better-known genera to- 

 which Galanthus is so nearly related : Amaryllis, Nerine, 

 Crinum, Vallota, Pancratium, Alstrcemeria, and Narcissus. The 

 last-named genus is more nearly allied than any of the other 

 genera mentioned ; not only does it resemble the Galanthus in 

 style, early period of bloom, and habit of becoming double, but 

 also for the general hardiness of its species, a feature not usual 

 in their order. 



The literal meaning of the generic name is " Milk Flower." 

 The title with such a pleasing reference was given by Linnaeus. 

 The specific name meaning white may, for two reasons, seem 

 unnecessary ; first, because milk is white, and again, because no 

 other than white-flowered species are known. All the three 

 common names are happy ones : " Snowdrop" and " Fair Maids 

 of February " are appropriate both to the season and a pretty 

 flower; "Bulbous Violet " pleasantly alludes to its sweetness; 

 all are poetical, as if this lovely flower had the same effect on the 

 different minds of those (including LinnaBus) who first gave 

 them. A dropped name for the Snowdrop was that of " Gillo- 

 flower " ; Theophrastus, the father of natural history, gave it the 

 name of "Yiolet" (Viola alba or V. bulbosa) that would be 

 2100 years ago! The bulbs should be planted by thousands; 

 they will grow anywhere and in any kind of soil ; the demand 

 for their blossom is ever increasing, and Snowdrops, as 

 everybody knows, are always in place, on the grass, border, or 

 window sill, or for table; they may be used as emblems of 

 either grief or joy ; they are sweetly pure and attractive, without 

 showiness. 



Flowering period, February to April. 



Galanthus Plicatus. 



FOLDED GALANTHUS ; Nat. Ord. AMARYLLIDACE^:. 

 A SPECIES from the Crimea; compared with our native kind, 

 it is larger in the grass, having also other, but very slight, 

 points of difference. The main one is implied by its name, 

 " plicatus," or folded ; its leaves are furrowed, which causes it to 

 have a folded appearance. 



Culture and flowering period, the same as for the other 

 species. 



Galanthus Redoutei. 

 REDOUTE'S GALANTHUS ; Nat. Ord. AMARYLLIDACE^. 



THIS is by far the most distinct form, having broad grass-green 

 foliage. It is somewhat late in flowering (during March and 

 April), and not so free as others. 



