By Joseph Sabine, Esq, 455 



nearly or quite as long as the petals, extending much above 

 the anthers ; they are very deep orange, large, and are some- 

 times four in number, with a corresponding multiplication 

 of the petals into eight, viz. four outer and four inner. It 

 seldom produces seed. 



8. Crocus argenteus. Silvery Crocus. 



1. C. argenteus Batavicus. 



2. C. praecox. 



C. argenteus Batavicus, was received by me some years 

 since from Holland as Crocus argenteus variegatus. It is dis- 

 tinguishable from C. biflorus by the length of its flower 

 scapes, and by its filaments being destitute of pubescence, and 

 generally by the flower being of smaller size. It has much 

 resemblance to the C. pusillus of Italy, and may probably have 

 been derived from it, or may be a native of some other 

 country sufficiently remote to account for the difference be- 

 tween the two. It certainly has more the appearance of a 

 wild natural species than any of the garden kinds which I 

 have had under my notice. I have however made it distinct, 

 leaving it to future enquirers to unite it with C. pusillus, if it 

 shall appear proper to do so. The leaves are very narrow and 

 spreading, short at first, but subsequently extend widely 

 on the ground. The flowers are small, and are produced 

 abundantly and early. The tube of the flower is rather more 

 purple at the top, and there is less of yellow at its mouth 

 than in any of the varieties of C. biflorus. The petals are 

 within of a delicate diluted lilac colour, the outer are nar- 

 rower than the inner, and have three feathered stripes. The 

 stigmas are orange, elevated above the anthers. It produces 



