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Plate 1. Crocus. Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

CROCUS mæsiacus.

Table of Contents

Common Yellow Crocus.

Class and Order.—Triandria Monogynia.

Syn. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 1111.

Crocus langeæflorus. Salisbury Par. Lon. vol. ii., tab. 106.

Bulb small—leaves numerous, radical, linear, lanceolate—flower enclosed with the leaves in a membranous sheath—-corolla yellow, divided into six oval-shaped petals, the three outer divisions beautifully marked with green—stamens three—filaments short—anthers sagittate—style one—stigma divided into three parts.

The species here figured is the earliest and best known in our gardens. It was introduced into this country in the year 1629, and derives its specific denomination from the ancient name of that part of Europe where it abounds in a wild state. Numerous varieties of the genus are constantly raised from seed, but the number of distinct species do not exceed ten or twelve. The cultivation of these plants is attended with no difficulty whatever: they will grow in any soil or situation; and the C. mæsiacus increases so rapidly as to require frequent parting. The different varieties make a beautiful display in the months of February and March, if placed in alternate patches in the flower border, and produce a brilliant effect when expanded by the warmth of the sun. The most desirable for a flower garden are the following species and their varieties:—

Crocus vernus.	Crocus susianus.
—— versicolor.	—— sulphureus.
—— nudiflorus.	—— sativus.
—— biflorus.	—— autumnalis.

Pl. 1.