Naturalisation in Extra- Tropical Countries. 133 



among deciduous hedge-plants, safe against pastoral animals. The 

 wood is considered one of the best substitutes for boxwood by 

 engravers. The flowers are much frequented by bees for honey. 

 C. monogyna (Jacquin) is a variety. 



Crataeg-us parvifolia, Alton. 



Eastern North- America. For dwarf hedges. Spines long, 

 slender, sharp and numerous. 



Crataegrus pyracantha, Fersoon. 



The Fire-Thorn. Southern Europe, South-Western Asia. This 

 species is evergreen. It is likewise adapted for hedges, though 

 slower in growth than the Hawthorn, but altogether not difficult to 

 rear. Hardy in Norway to lat. 59 55' [Schuebeler]. Referred by 

 Boissier to Cotoneaster. The allied C. crenulata (Roxburgh), the 

 Himalayan White Thorn, is a large spinescent shrub, ascending 

 there to an elevation of 8,000 feet. 



Crataegrus tomentosa, Linne. 



South-Eastern States of North-America. Reaching a height of 

 20 feet. Fruit edible. The list of American Hawthorns is probably 

 not yet exhausted by the species mentioned ; all afford honey. 

 Two species, C. rivularis (Nuttall) and C. Douglasii (Lindley), 

 occur in California and Oregon. 



Crepis biennis, Linne. 



Europe, Western-Asia. Bosc regards this plant as useful for 

 winter-pastures in cool climes, it keeping well green. The flowers 

 afford food for bees. 



Crithmum maritimum, Linne. 



The real Samphire. Sea-shores of Western and Southern Europe, 

 North-Africa and the Orient. A perennial herb. Settlers on the 

 coast might readily disseminate and naturalise it. It is held to be 

 one of the best plants for pickles, the young leaves being selected 

 for that purpose. 



Crocus sativus. C. Bauhin. 



The Dye- Saffron. South-Eastern Europe and the Orient. The 

 stigmata of this particular autumnal-flowering Crocus constitute 

 the costly dye-substance. The best is collected from the flowers as 

 they daily open in succession. The plant yields its product for 

 three or four years. Spain produces annually from 200,000 to 

 300,000 Ibs. of Saffron. The article is often largely adulterated 

 before it is put on the market [Queenslander] . At an early stage 

 of colonisation it would not be profitable to grow saffron com- 

 mercially ; but as the plant is well adapted for many extra-tropical 

 countries or for high elevations within the tropics, it might be 



