59 

 C. j4llenii is very similar to C. grandiflora. 



Crocus imperati. This is one of the earliest flowers to 

 open, and its pale amethyst coloured flowers are quite dis- 

 tinct from any other plant we have at that season. Like some 

 others of the early flowers they are very sensitive to the 

 wintry weather, and by closing up quickly when it changes 

 they preserve their beauty for a long time ; this plant 

 increases quickly if left undisturbed, and thrives in ordinary 

 garden soil without special attention. Like many other 

 choice plants it has many enemies, rats, mice and pheasants 

 are especially fond of it. Early in August is the best time for 

 planting, and it may remain undisturbed for several years. 



Crocus, T)utch yellow, and the other varieties. These 

 are among the most welcome of our spring flowers, the 

 abundance of blooms they give with such a little attention 

 makes them doubly valuable to those whose means are 

 limited, and who leave their plants from year to year with- 

 out disturbing them ; like the above variety, rats, mice, and 

 pheasants destroy the roots of these wherever they find them. 

 Pheasants are able to find the roots when dormant and 

 covered with several inches of soil, and will also destroy them 

 wholesale when they are growing ; for this reason they are 

 not included in the list of spring bedding plants, but in some 

 places they might be used for that purpose ; they should be 

 planted as early in the autumn as possible. Dutch Yellow, 

 Purpurea grandiflora, purple, Maximillian, pale blue, and 

 Queen Victoria, white, are some of the best varieties. They 

 may also be grown on early, in pots, under glass, and planted 

 in the garden in sheltered places just before the flowers open; 



