130 
THE ASSOCIATIONS OF FLOWERS 
CHAPTER XTI. 
Crocus — Aspect of Garden during Winter — Garden Crocus 
— Meadow Crocus — Crocus in Greece — In Safjron- 
Walden — Uses of Saffron in the East — Yellow Dye 
of several Flants — Mode of selling Saffron in Greece 
— Yellow Iris — “ Swete Clothe ” of the Reign of Eliza- 
beih. 
Like lilac-flame its colour glows, 
Tender and yet so clearly bright, 
That all for miles and miles about 
The splendid meadow shineth out, 
And far-off village children shout 
To see the welcome sight/'' 
— Mrs. Howitt. 
The several spring - blooming species of garden crocus 
derive less of their attraction from their purple or golden 
colours than from their early appearance. They spring 
up from the earth when as yet its surface is but little 
variegated by the numerous flowers of later months. The 
garden crocuses, indeed, appear much less beautiful than 
the wild kind; for the former are often planted upon the 
bed in formal rows, or enclosed by the little hedge of 
box, while the latter grow in tufts in various parts of the 
meadow, the free wild children of earth. Still, under all 
circumstances, the crocus is a handsome flower, and c'on- 
trasts beautifully wdth its companion, the delicate snow- 
drop. Then, too, it enlivens the barren aspect of the 
garden, which has long looked desolate and dreary; so 
that we hail the crocus as a favourite, and it mingles with 
all our dreams of spring, as assuredly as the cherished 
violet or meadow daisy. It is, indeed, as much the pre- 
