VII. 



THE SNOWDROP, LEtJCOJUM, CROCUS. 

 THE SNOWDROP. 



ONGr before the balmy breezes 

 of spring remind us that it cannot 

 be always winter, the snowdrop 

 wakens from its sleep, and glad- 

 dens our eyes by its simple beauty and sweet perfume. Later 

 in the season, when the garden is gay with flowers, it would 

 be almost unnoticed : but for long, dreary days, it is the 

 flower of spring ; and, as such, we love and cherish it. 



The snowdrop thrives in any good garden-soil enriched 

 by well-rotted manure or leaf-mould. It will live and bloom 

 in almost any situation, and will endure a great amount of 

 hard treatment before it is finally killed : but few flowers 

 better repay care and good culture. The bulbs should be 

 planted in September or October, the earlier the better, to 

 enable them to make good roots and growth before the 



