248 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



SNOW DROP. 



(GALANTHUS NIVALIS.) 



41 Lone flower, hemmed in with snows, and white as they, 

 But hardier far, once more I see thee bend 

 Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend, 

 Like an unbidden guest." 



This bulbous rooted flowering plant is indigenous to 

 England, where it is a great favorite. It is one of the 

 earliest flowers to open in the spring, reminding us of the 

 approach of Flora and her tribe of beauties, even when 

 the snow is on the ground. It is of easy culture, and 

 should be planted in the fall, at the same time as other 

 bulbs. It has a delicate stem, rising a few inches, bearing 

 a white flower a little tinged with green at the extreme 

 end, which hangs pendent ; the leaves are smooth, of a 

 light green. To make it appear to the best advantage it 

 should be planted with the Purple Crocus, by making a 

 ring five inches in diameter, and planting the Crocus on 

 the outside, and the Snow Drop in the centre. It does well 

 planted in a pot and kept in the house. This bulb should 

 be kept like the Crocus through the summer in sand, or 

 they will dry up. The damp atmosphere of England is 

 more congenial for these bulbs than this country, as I have 

 generally found them to disappear about the second or third 

 year ; from which it must be inferred this climate does not 

 suit them. This lessens their value as a bulb for general 

 culture. 



