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CULTURE OF CROCUSES. 
The crocus has for many ages been cultivated as an ornament to our flower borders; 
the spring sorts coming into bloom in February and March when but few other 
flowers ornament our gardens, and the autumnal kinds in September and October. 
The genus consists of about twenty-six species, and a great number of varieties 
Of these about seven species only flower in the autumn, one of which is the 
C. sativus or cultivated saffron, so useful in medicinal purposes. The cultivation 
and management of both the spring and autumn flowers is simple and easy:— 
1. Soil. The best kind of soil for their growth is a light sandy loam, well 
drained. 
2. They do not like to be often removed. When they are taken up, which should 
not be oftener than once in three years, allow them to be out of the ground as little 
as possible, or they will flower very weakly the following season. The most proper 
time to remove them is immediately after the leaves have died down. 
3. It is immaterial as to the manner of planting : they may either be planted in 
rows on the edges of walks or beds, in patches on the flower borders, or in beds, 
which for a collection is to be preferred. 
4. Many of the sorts produce plenty of seeds, which it is always the best to sow 
immediately after being gathered. Obtain some good light soil and fill a quantity 
of pans or boxes, just in the same manner as recommended for auriculas, page 10, 
rule 9. Sow thin, cover the seeds lightly, place the pans under an eastern or a 
south-eastern wall ; shelter them from heavy rains, and water lightly as often as 
they require it. When frosty and wet weather sets in, the pans must be removed, 
and placed under the shelter of a cold frame. 
5. When the leaves begin to show themselves they must be allowed to have full 
exposure to the air, even in frosty weather, unless it be very severe ; but it is not 
well to allow them to be too much exposed to heavy rains, which are liable to injure 
the tender plants. 
6. When the weather has again become warm, they may be again removed from 
their winter quarters, and be placed in a similar situation to that they before 
occupied. 
7. When the leaves have died down, take off a small portion of the old soil from 
the surface, and replace about half an inch thickness of new; and treat them 
throughout the season of growth in the same manner as recommended the previous 
year. After the foliage has died the third year, take up the roots and plant them 
an inch apart in a bed. The following season they may be expected to flower. 
8. In watering the seedlings, never administer any but when the soil is dry ; and 
so soon as the leaves begin to turn yellow and die, withhold it altogether until the 
season of their growth again. 
9. If the system of raising the seedlings in boxes, be thought too troublesome, 
