b MEADOW SAFFRON. 



blossom-tube extends even to the root; the 

 styles, too, are so elongated as to reach the 

 seed-vessel. Why is this? Because the 

 plant blossoms late, and has not time to per- 

 fect its seeds before the setting in of win- 

 ter. The Creator has, therefore, so con- 

 structed it, that this important office is 

 carried on at a depth below the usual ef- 

 fects of frost. But then a difficulty occurs. 

 Seeds, we know, may be perfected, but they 

 will not vegetate at such a deptli. How is 

 this provided for ? Those who visit, in the 

 spring, the meadow beside the streamlet 

 that flows from Hoh^-well, may see, among 

 the grass, numerous egg-shaped capsules, 

 with three blunt angles and several spear- 

 like leaves rising round them. These are 

 the seed-vessels of the colchicum. The seeds 

 that were buried during winter within the 

 root, have now the benefit of light and 

 air ; they ripen about the time of hay- 



