BULBOUS PLANTS. 



211 



fig- 395)- It is constant as to the time of its appearance in the third 

 week in January, and shows its drooping head 

 immediately after the snow melts. In one year, 

 however, and in one year only, the snowdrops 

 appeared between Christmas and New Year's day. 



Snowdrops are naturally single, but double ones 

 have been obtained by cultivation. It is only 

 necessary to plant the bulbs and then to leave 

 them alone, when the bulbs multiply year after FIG. 395. snowdrop 

 year. Quantities of snowdrops should be grown, as they light up the 

 bare ground in the ferneries, before the fronds spring forth. 



The double variety of snowdrop is somewhat larger than the 

 single, but of the two I rather prefer the single, as being upon the 

 whole more pleasing to the eye. 



A larger species of snowdrop (Galanthus plicatus) has been lately 

 introduced from the Crimea. The flower is somewhat larger, but the 

 leaves are much broader and coarser. It is scarcer than the common 

 species, and differs so little from it as hardly to be recognized 

 without close examination. Except as a mere curiosity it is a 

 worthless addition to the garden. 



" And in yon mingled wilderness of flowers 

 Fair-handed Spring unbosoms every grace : 

 Throws out the snowdrop and the crocus first." 



THOMSON'S Seasons. 



Before the snowdrops have disappeared Crocuses come forth in 

 many varieties. The Crocus versicolor is the 

 first ; quickly succeeding to this are the large 

 yellow, white, and blue varieties of C. vernns 

 (fig. 396). The bulbs last for years if planted 

 in a dry place, and if a little manure be yearly 

 spread over the surface. The ground dries and 

 the bulbs ripen in the summer, but, when the 

 autumn rains moisten the ground, they grow 

 and send forth their gorgeous flowers. Nothing can exceed the effect 



P 2 



FIG. 396. (Jrociib vernus. 



