MAY. 



67 



to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, and 

 the Archipelago. It is a native of the East, and 

 is abundant about Aleppo and Bagdad, and is 

 blue in its wild state. 



M. The Narcissus cannot be compared with 

 the Hyacinth. Yet I think the Incomparable 

 very fine ; the little bright yellow petals, so 

 handsomely disposed between the large white 

 ones, make a handsome contrast, and I suppose 

 give it the common name of butter and eggs. 

 The smell is not disagreeable to me, al- 

 though some dislike it. 



H. It is said that the smell has a danger- 

 ous effect upon the nerves. The name is from 

 a Greek word signifying stupor. For this rea- 

 son the Narcissus was consecrated to the furies, 

 who by means of it, were said to stupify those 

 whom they wished to punish. 



M. Then I am sure I will smell of it no 

 more, for I have no desire to come under their 



