The Crocus is constantly influenced by atmos- 
pheric changes, and may also be acted upon in a si- 
milar manner by artificial means. The following 
results arose out of experiments to which we submit- 
ted the yellow crocus in the spring of last year. 
The flowers having been gathered at night, when 
their corallas were perfectly closed, were placed at 
the distance of nearly a yard from two lighted can- 
dles, and in a temperature of 50 degrees of Fahren- 
heit’s thermometer. In this situation and warmth, 
they remained two hours ; but their petals remained 
nearly closed. 
Other flowers were gathered at the same time, and 
being entirely excluded from light, were submitted 
to a warmth of 95 degrees; the temperature being 
very gradually raised from 65. Their continuance, 
during two hours, in this situation, occasioned but 
very little change in them. 
Others were also gathered, and placed between 
two lighted candles, at about four inches from each, 
and in a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees. These 
flowers, in rather less than an hour, were as fully 
expanded as in the midday sun. 
We notice these little experiments, not for their 
value, but that such of our young readers as possess 
opportunity, may be induced to pursue these re- 
searches to a greater length. In such an unbounded 
extent of divine wisdom and wonder as the vegeta- 
ble world exhibits, almost every thing remains to 
be discovered. Though trifling our efforts at the 
commencement, they may lead to important results ; 
and no one should lose an opportunity of exploring 
the wonders that surround him. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 81. 
