(Srocus OCinUS. Natural Order: Iridacciv — Iris Family. 



\ NE of the first flowers that greet the eye in early spring is 



this inhabitant of the snowy Alps, brightening the earth with 



its gay blossoms often before any verdure is visible. The 



root is bulbous, and cheap enough to have in abundance. 



_ They are exceedingly attractive for house cultivation, planted 



•-^^in some of the pretty devices that are made for hyacinths and 



similar plants. The colors varj? through the different shades of purple, 



yellow and white. The ancient legend relates that Crocus was an 



unfortunate lover, whose unrequited passion awakened the sympathy 



gods, and procured his metamorphose into this flower. 



i]^$^rfub«$$. 



-beaten heart 



ikewise is cheer'd 

 1 cloiidv looks .are 



•I17HEN cheerfulness, a n 

 •' Her bow across her she 

 Her buskins gemm'd with m( 

 Blew an inspirinsj air, that cia 



iph of healthiest hue. 



JOY, like the zypher that Hies o'er the flow 

 Ripjiling into it fresh fairness each hour,— 

 Joy has wav'd o'er thee his sun-woven wing, 

 And dimpled thv cheek like the roses of sprii 

 — Mrs. Os^^ood. 



K 



T sight of thee 

 My hopes rev 



gloom V soul 

 and gladness 



■heers 



ithii 



"IITELCOME, wild harbinger of spring! 



To this small nook of earth ; 

 Feeling and fancy fondly cling 



Round thoughts which owe their birth 

 To thee, and to the humble spot 

 Where chance has fix'd thv lowlv lot. 



—Ambrose Philips. 



To thee — for thy rich, golden bloom. 

 Like heaven's fair bow on high. 



Portends, amid surrounding gloom. 

 That brighter hours draw nigh. 



When blossoms of more varied dyes 



.Shall ope their tints to warmer skies. 



I 



E 



ET cheerfulness on happy fortune 

 .\nd give not thus the counter- 



to fate. 



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