172 Prof. RussdVs Address before the 



is known, the double flowerine:, which appears some weeks 

 later, and is not half as pretty as the true species. Next come 

 the flamy crocuses, of which little brilliant bulbs alone a most 

 unique and beautiful collection might be formed. First peeps 

 from the ground, following close on the stei)s of the delicate 

 snow-drop, the royal titled "Cloth of Gold" crocus, so small 

 in size and contour, as to need one's eye-sight improved to see 

 it, unless it is expanded in the bright sun-shine; but stoop to 

 the little beauty, and then observe its brilliant tint and curious 

 contrasted colors — a rich velvety brown without, contrasting 

 finely with a deep gold within. Its whole size is more dimin- 

 utive than that of the other species; but like many other small 

 items, and some humble virtues, it improves on nearer ac- 

 quaintance. These bulbs are often imported from Holland 

 with the other kinds, and nsay be known by its coarsely netted 

 root skin. A very rare variety, with deep purple flowers, is 

 also said to exist. 



Next come the yellow crocuses, by far the most common, 

 and of great brilliancy when planted in groups. Then you 

 may have the spring crocus, with splendid laige blue or pur- 

 ple flowers, which mix well with the yellow. A few days 

 later will appear the delicate Scotch crocus, of large, open 

 white flowers, most elegantly pencilled with purple veins. 

 These four kinds are the ones usually sold in our bulb stores, 

 and seen in our gardens. Besides these, there are nine more, 

 some of exceeding rarity, and some of great beauty. Anoth- 

 er species is worth mentioning, viz. the C. sativus, or saffron 

 crocus, which blossoms in the autumn, and from which the true 

 medicinal saffron is derived. Formerly, in England, large 

 fields were used in its culture, and great numbers of women 

 and children employed in plucking the minute stigma, which 

 forms the true saffron. A disease of a fungus character is in- 

 cident, so as to destroy entire crops. The autumnal crocus 

 must not be mistaken for quite a distinct bulb, of great beauty, 

 viz. the conchicum, of which there are two kinds, single and 

 double. These appear without any leaves, and present a cu- 

 rious and beautiful sight. They are also of great utility in 

 medicine. 



And after the spring crocuses have closed their petals, and 

 retired from the scene of their short-lived beauty, come the 

 noble and fragrant hyacinths, glittering like massive crystals, or 

 bending in beauty with their nodding bells. Almost innume- 

 rable varieties may be found in the catalogues of Holland bulbs, 



