CHAPTER V. 



The Crocuses. 



It has been pointed out in connection with the culti- 

 vation of bulbous plants in the rock garden that the 

 principal drawback is the unsightly appearance of 

 the foHage in spring, when it begins to wither. This 

 militates against the Crocuses, yet it is hard to forgo 

 so beautiful and interesting a genus. 



Those who only know the Crocuses through the 

 popular Dutch kinds, which are cheap enough to be 

 bought in thousands, have but an imperfect idea of 

 the beauty and diversity of the genus. There are 

 scores of charming species and varieties which are 

 never seen in borders or turf. Some bloom in autumn, 

 others in winter or early spring. It is not surprising 

 that they escape the attention of many flower-lovers. 

 They are overshadowed by their " Dutch " congeners. 

 People get into the way of thinking of Crocuses in 

 thousands. They can only see the plants in masses 

 or in long lines. If they did feel an interest in the 

 species it would probably be only for such time as it 

 takes to prove that the latter are not suitable for 

 putting into comparison with the cheap kinds. 

 Neither their habit nor their price encourages such 

 rivalry. They are, in the main, smaller plants, and 



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