SNOW-DROP. 397 



bulbeux [bulbous stock] ; campane blanche, cloche blanche 

 [both signifying white bell] ; baguenadier tfhiver. 



These flowers are very pretty and delicate, and look 

 well, like the common Snow-drop, when planted several 

 together, but it must not be close ; for they require a 

 distance of five inches from each other, and must be set 

 four or five inches deep. Thus they require more room 

 than will often be afforded them, except in the open 

 ground; and, after all, they are deficient in one of the 

 greatest charms of the true Snow-drop the coming in a 

 wintry season, when 'few others visit us. We look upon 

 the Snow-drop as a friend in adversity ; sure to appear 

 when most needed. 



" Winter's gloomy night withdrawn, 

 Lo ! the young romantic Hours 

 Search the hill, the dale, the lawn, 

 To behold the snow-drop white 

 Start to light, 

 And shine in Flora's desert bowers, 



T 1-1- 11 



Beneath the vernal dawn, 

 llie Morning Star of Flowers." 



MONTGOMERY. 



" The snow-drop, who, in habit white and plain, 



Comes on, the herald of fair Flora's train ; 

 ? , The coxcomb crocus, flower of simple note, 



Who by her side struts in a herald's coat." 

 i it 



CHURCHILL. 



Mr, Churchill treats the crocus with a strangely un- 

 merited contempt. TJie yellow crocus is a brilliant and 

 beautiful flower, and the pale crocus is marked with a soft 

 and delicate pencilling, very similar to some of the geranium 

 flowers. 



The Snow-drop is the earliest blower of all our wild 

 flowers, and will even show her head above the snow, as 

 if to prove her rivalry in whiteness. 



