AMARVLLIDACE^. 159 



straight, or very slitrlitly turned outwards, rather deeply crenate- 

 serrate, and often with 6 shallow incisions, which divide it into (i seg- 

 ments, which, however, as their edges are usually contiguous, are not 

 conspicuous on a superficial examination. Stamens and style much 

 shorter than the crown, the style slightly exceeding the stamens. 

 Capsule about f inch long, inclined, oblong-turbiuate, containing 

 numerous seeds about the size of white mustard seed ; when fresh 

 these seeds are smooth, polished, and shining, but when dry the testa 

 becomes rugose. 



Var. 3 is perhaps a sub-species, but has small claims to be con- 

 sidered a native plant. The late Rev. W. T. Bree assured me it was the 

 form on which Haworth founded his Ajax lobularis ; but Haworth's 

 description applies to Narcissus major. The var. 3 is sold by London 

 seedsmen as X. nanus or N. nanus major. 



Var. a is rarely seen in gardens. The cultivated Daffodil is X. 

 major {Curt.\ which is larger, with the flowers deep yellow, the free 

 portion of the perianth tube only half the length of the segments, and 

 the crown much more trumpet-mouthed. 



Common Daffodil. 



French, Narcisse faux-Narcisse. German, Gemeine Narcisse. 



Our present species, DaflFodU, has simply the old English name affo dijle, which sig- 

 nified " that which cometh early," and it was long before the word was corrupted into 

 daffodil. It is one of our earliest spring flowers ; it is rare in Scotland and Ireland, 

 but in the south-west of England its pale yellow blossoms may be seen covering acres 

 of land. In Cornwall they are still called " Lent lilies." The root, and to some extent 

 the whole plant, is poisonous ; yet a nseftd spirit has been distUled from it, which is 

 sometimes used as an embrocation, and is also given as a medicine. Most welcome 

 are these pretty spring flowers to us all ; and in cottage gardens they add beauty 

 and gi-ace without expense or trouble, for they grow under almost any conditions. 



•' When the vales are decked with Dafibdils, 

 I hail the new reviving year, 

 And soothing hope my bosom fills." 



Herrick, in his "Hesperides," laments their departure in a more serious strain— 

 " Fair DaflbdUs, we weep to see 

 Ton haste away so soon; 

 As yet the early rising sun 



Hath not attained his noon. 

 We have short time to stay as you; 



We have as short a spring. 

 As quick a growth to meet decay, 

 As you or any thing. 



We die 

 As your hours do, and dry 



Away , 

 Like to the summer rain, 

 Or as the pearls of morning dew, 

 Ne'er to be found again." 



