NATURAL HISTORY. 
521 
propagated by the fame means, or raifed in 
March from feeds, which bloifom the firft 
year. An open fituation, and a light foil, are 
moft proper for their cultivation. 
CROCUS. 
TT* HIS early flower, as if anxious to Ihare 
with thefnowdrop in cheering the departing 
gloom of winter, appears in January an 
Februaty, but not to be a mere fpeftacle or 
beauty ; it produces a moft ufeful fubftance, 
which is fafl'ron. The Ihape of the 
refembles the lily. It pofleffes an agreeable 
fcent. Confidering its cheerful afpeft,^ when 
few flowers appear, and its producing fo 
valuable an eflence, it is rather a wonder it 
fliould not be more cultivated in our gardens. 
The true crocus is rather to be multiplied by 
the root than by its feed. It requires a rich 
foil, and ought to be planted in a ground 
expofed to the foflering rays of the fun. 
COLUMBINE. 
TP HIS plant is called aquilegia,from aqtiila 
an eagle, in confequence of the leaves of its 
flower being hooked like the beak and talons 
of that bird. The columbine fhoots indented 
leaves 
