126 



On the Cultivation of Crocuses. 



yet unsheltered spot; permitting them to receive all the 

 influence of the weather, except such heavy showers as 

 would wash bare the seeds. As soon, however, as the au- 

 tumnal rains commence, it will be highly advantageous to 

 remove the boxes to a warm aspect : and to protect them 

 from all excessive rains, frosts, and snows, by the occasional 

 shelter of a garden frame : allowing them, nevertheless, the 

 benefit of the full air, at other times ; but more especially 

 after the seminal* leaf (for they have but one, being monoco- 

 tyledonous plants), eager to commence the career of life, 

 urges its fine setaceous point above the surface of the earth. 

 This occurs sometimes about the end of the year ; but oftener 

 in earliest spring. After this, their birth, if I may use the ex- 

 pression, it is quite essential that they should have complete 

 exposure to the air, even in frosty weather ; for they are pro- 

 digiously hardy with respect to cold ; screening them, how- 

 ever, occasionally, like early Radishes, with loose straw, 

 from other injurious effects of frost ; so as to prevent their 

 being raised out of their infantile beds by its baneful effects. 

 But remove all the straw-covering again, as soon as the frost 

 is over. 



In this manner may the young Crocuses be treated until 

 the sun acquires sufficient power to dry the earth in the 

 boxes, so as to require daily waterings : for they must have 

 gentle rose-waterings, whenever they are quite dry. It will 

 be then found advantageous to remove them to a cooler, but 

 not sheltered situation, and here they may remain until their 

 leaves die down; giving them, as just hinted, at all times, 



* A figure of the seminal leaf and bulb of Crocus Lagenseflorus- with a mag- 

 nified transverse section of the former is shewn in Plate VI. 



