CROCUSES AND CROWN IMPERIAL. 185 



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 developement of 

 their beautiful blossoms in ordinary seasons, even when 

 shaded. 



CROCUSES. 



These are hardy little bulbs, said to be natives of 

 Switzerland. 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 

 in 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 



CROWJS 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 stems, 

 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 

 produce singular and showy flowers in April and May, 

 suited to make variety in the flower borders, in which thev 

 may be planted in August and September, from three to 

 four inches deep ; they need not be taken up every year as 

 other bulbs, and when they are, which may be about every 



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