128 On the Cultivation of Crocuses. 



mould should be sifted over them, previously stirring the sur- 

 face of the old, and cleaning from it the moss and weeds ; 

 observing not to bury the young bulbs, not yet so large as 

 lentils, deeper than three quarters of an inch, or an inch 

 at the most. 



The second season requires exactly the same management 

 as the first. But as soon as their second year's foliage has 

 passed away, the roots should all be taken up, and replanted 

 again the same or following day, into fresh earth, of the 

 same kind as before, about an inch deep, and as much apart ; 

 and often treated as above. 



Nor does the third season demand any alteration in their 

 management ; but it is advisable to sift over them in autumn 

 half an inch of fresh earth. 



The spring following, if they have been duly attended to, 

 most of them will shew flowers (a few, perhaps, having done 

 so the season before) in the midst of their fourth crop of 

 leaves ; fully rewarding with the cheering colours of their 

 new faces, all the preceding assiduity and care; for notwith- 

 standing three years and a half have rolled away under its 

 slow progress ; yet it must not be forgot, for it is too encou- 

 raging to be omitted, that he who sows annually fresh seeds, 

 also reaps annually fresh blossoms, and acquires before-un- 

 heard-of varieties of these little charmers : which like the 

 sportive Tulip, surprise and delight his eyes, not less with the 

 variety than with the feathery gaiety of their colourings : or 

 even their still more acceptable early appearance ; chasing 

 away, as it were, or pushing before them, the melting snows 

 of lingering winter ; and thence announcing the sure ap- 

 proach of that welcome season, lovely spring. 



