THE CROCUS. 107 



seed, which ripens freely. The seeds should be gathered 

 just before the pods burst, kept about a month in the pods, 

 and then be sown in drills in the garden. If the soil is 

 rich (and it cannot be too rich), many will bloom the third 

 year. The crocus seeds under ground ; the pods coming 

 to the surface only when the seeds are ripe. 



Some of the species which are the parents of the garden 

 varieties are 



C. biflorus. This species, commonly known as the 

 Scotch (though why would be difficult to say) or twin- 

 flowering crocus, is a native of the Crimea, and is very 

 hardy, and early flowering. It will grow with little care, 

 but is impatient of removal. The flowers are twin ; of a 

 white, striped with purple ; and remain long in perfection. 



C. vernus. This is the wild English species, though 

 probably only naturalized, and not indigenous. The flower 

 is pale lilac, varying to white and purple, but never yellow. 

 It ripens seed freely. 



C. versicolor. This is the parent of many of the fine 

 seedling varieties. The flower is purple and white, and 

 very fragrant. 



C. Susianus. The cloth-of-gold crocus has been an 

 inhabitant of the garden for many hundred years. The 



