CROCUS. 181 



This species of Crocus is also called Saffron, and the medi- 

 cine so called is obtained from it. Saffron was formerly 

 more esteemed as a medicine than at present ; but it is still 

 used occasionally : it is often substituted for eggs in cakes, 

 puddings, &c. and to some persons its flavour is very agree- 

 able. A bag of saffron worn at the pit of the stomach has 

 been lately said to be an effectual preventive of sea-sickness. 



The first introduction of this plant into the country was 

 considered so great a national benefit, as to have occasioned 

 much controversy upon the subject. It is commonly said 

 that Sir Thomas Smith was the first who brought it to 

 England, in the reign of Edward the Third, and that it 

 was first planted at Walden in Essex. That Walden was 

 noted for the cultivation of it is clear, since the flower has 

 even bestowed its own name upon that place, which is com- 

 monly called Saffron Walden. In Hakluyfs Voyages (edit. 

 1599, vol. ii. p. 165) the first introduction of Saffron is 

 ascribed to a pilgrim, who, with the intention of serving his 

 country, stole a head of Saffron, which he hid in his staff: 

 but this is mentioned only as a thing reported at Saffron 

 Walden*. Mr. Marty n, after referring to this volume, 

 says he has been informed that the corporation of Walden 

 bear three Saffron plants in their arms. 



The Spring Crocus is common in many parts of Europe ; 

 there are many varieties ; and as this kind furnishes the 

 florists with seed, new varieties continually occur. The 

 most usual are. the Common Yellow, the Great Yellow, 

 Deep Blue, Light Blue, White with Blue Stripes, Blue 



* This, however, is probably only a version of the history of the 

 introduction of silk into Europe : two monks having brought from 

 China, in the hollow of their walking-canes, the eggs of the silk- worm, 

 which were hatched at Constantinople under the empress's own eye* 

 w.ho had, during the two years' absence of the monks, caused some 

 mulberry trees to be ^ot ready for the food of the young family. 



