SNOWDROPS. 



191 



be infectious, as infected bulbs may die off close to healthy bulbs 

 without injury to the latter, if the mould or decay is not actually 

 in contact with the healthy growth. 



Fertilisation. — Bees are seldom abroad at the period of 

 Snowdrops flowering, and even if weather permit do not seem to 

 visit the flower. Fertilisation appears, by a provision of nature, 

 to be assisted by a small fly which frequents the flower for shelter 

 and to feed on the pollen. During the mild weather of the 

 month of February, 1801, the maximum temperature here ranged 

 between 50 deg. and GO deg. on eleven days. Bees were busy 

 carrying in pollen from early patches of Gorse, Leucojum 

 I'crnum, or Jasminum nudiflorum, but it was a rare occurrence 

 to observe a bee among the Snowdrops, although there was about 

 an acre of them within a hundred yards of the hives. 



Time of Flowering. — Although some of the early forms make 

 their appearance early in January, it is usually in February that 

 the bulk are in blossom. This year the bloom was at its best the 

 second and third weeks of February. Some discussion has 

 taken place in the gardening papers from time to time as to 

 whether Snowdrops flower earlier in Scotland than they do south 

 of the border. I think they are usually earlier most seasons 

 in Scotland. There is from what"; I hear no doubt of it this 

 season, as Snow T drops here are practically over, except in shaded 

 places, or behind a north wall, while I believe in England 

 Snowdrops will be about their best by March 10th, making a 

 difference of from a fortnight to three* weeks between the north 

 and south of the British Islands. 



SNOWDKOPS. 

 By Mr. F. W. Burbidge, M.A., F.L.S. 



[Bead March 10, 1891.] 



The Snowdrop is one of the earliest and most exquisite of all 

 our hardy bulbous flowers, and it has been mentioned by nearly 

 all the modern English poets for its modest purity and simplicity. 

 It is almost more interesting, however, to know that amongst 

 those who have not alluded to the flower we may name 

 Shakespeare and the so-called garden-poet Cowper, although 

 both must often have seen and admired the flower itself. 



