NARCISSUS. 195 



in the woods in great profusion. The bulbs are perennial, 

 flowering in April and May, throwing up a scape two 

 edged, with a single yellow flower at the extreme ; segment 

 of a sulphur yellow, with a serrate, crenate orifice ; it is 

 often planted in bunches in the borders along lawns, 

 or round the edge of beds, where it increases very fast. 

 From England this bulb found its way into Holland, 

 whence it is imported into this country under the specious 

 name of " Soleil d'Or," thus disappointing those who pur- 

 chase them under that name. 

 Narcissus Poeticus 



" Narcissus on the grassy verdure lies ; 



But whilst within the crystal fount he tries 



To quench his heat, he feels new heats arise-, 



For, as his own bright image he surveyed, 



He fell in love with th' fantastic shade; 



And o'er the fair resemblance hung unmoved, 



Nor knew, fond youth! it was himself he loved." 



This is the " Poet's Narcissus," and an old favorite, 

 which has been the subject of many poems by writers of 

 old. This highly scented bulbous rooted plant bears a 

 white flower in May. The segments are reflexed, imbre- 

 cate at the base, cup expanded, flat ; the anthers shorter than 

 the tube ; leaves erect and narrow. It often disappoints 

 expectation, for if the flower bud, before expanding, is 

 pressed with the finger and thumb, it blasts the flower and 

 prevents its expansion. Indeed it may be considered very 

 uncertain, at the best ; for sometimes it will not flower for 

 several years. 



Although this flower has attracted so much attention in 



