NARCISSUS. 



127 



the nerves. In mythology Narcissus was a beauti- 

 ful youth enamored of his own image as seen in a 

 fountain, who was changed into the flower there- 

 after called by his name. The Narcissus is an old 

 and popular class of beautiful flowers ; some of the 

 species are highly fragrant. They include the well- 

 known Daffodil and Jonquil. Most of the varieties 

 are hardy, and should be planted in autumn and 

 may remain in the ground a number of years. 

 When they become matted together a division of 

 the roots is* necessary. The most beautiful class of 

 this family is the Polyanthus Narcissus which is 

 not hardy in New England, but is unsurpassed for 

 flowering, in the hoire. They have glossy or leek- 

 like leaves ; produce flowers in clusters of from 

 five to twenty, ranging from pure white to deep 

 orange ; are very fragrant and continue in perfec- 

 tion a long time. The Jonquils are also desirable 

 for winter flowering. 



SOIL AND GENERAL TREATMENT. 



The Narcissus wants a light rich soil of loam, 

 leaf-mold and a little sand. 



They require plenty of water when in growth 

 and flower ; less after the blooming season is past. 



They are increased by offsets from the bulbs. 



To force the Narcissus for winter bloom, plant 

 the bulbs in September, one in a pot not less than 

 five inches across, and keep them at a low temper- 

 ature until Christmas, when they will be well rooted 



