SPRING.

"—————————Bright with dew,

And in a mingled wilderness of flowers,

Fair-handed Spring unbosoms every grace;

With hues on hues expression cannot paint

The breath of Nature, and her endless bloom."

Thomson's Seasons.

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

CROCUS mæsiacus.

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.

Plate 2. Hepatica Triloba.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

HEPATICA triloba.

Common Blue Hepatica.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Polygynia.

Syn. Hepatica triloba. Pursh, N. A. F., vol. ii., p. 391.

Root fibrous—leaves radical, three-lobed, on long petioles—stem simple, erect, pubescent—one-flowered calyx of three leaves—corolla blue—six petals, oval-shaped—stamens numerous, fixed to the receptacle—styles many—stigmas obtuse.

The blue variety of the Hepatica triloba, which blooms about March, is one of our most beautiful Spring flowers, and is more readily cultivated than any of the other kinds. According to Pursh, "It is a native of Canada, and is found in woods, and on the sides of fertile and rocky hills." The double variety of this plant is less common in our gardens, and the single white variety is rare. These plants like a loamy soil, and eastern exposure—and should be removed when they are in blossom. The roots do not bear to be often separated; and if divided into small pieces are frequently lost: but if left undisturbed in a congenial situation, they will attain great luxuriance. Miller says the single varieties are easily propagated by seed; but our more modern gardeners do not coincide in this opinion. The new leaves do not appear until after the flowers, though occasionally those of the preceding year retain their freshness, as in the figure here given. All the Hepaticas are ornamental.

Double blue.	Double pink.
Single pink.	Single white.

Pl. 2.

Plate 3. Scilla Bifolia.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

SCILLA bifolia.

Two-leaved Squill.

Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.

Syn. Scilla bifolia. Eng. Fl., vol. ii., p. 146.

Bulb oblong, oval—leaves two, radical, opposite, linear, lanceolate, about five or six inches long—peduncles short—corolla bright blue—petals six, oblong, spreading in the form of a star—stamens six, shorter than the petals—germen superior—styles short.

This beautiful plant is a native of the West of England, though rarely found. It likes a light soil, and should be grown in large patches, when it forms one of the greatest ornaments to our gardens in the month of March. The white variety also flowers about the same time, and forms a striking and beautiful contrast if placed alternately in the flower border. It is increased by offsets, which may be removed when the leaves decay. If this plant be covered with a hand-glass, when coming into bloom, it will expand more fully, and preserve the brilliancy of its colour. The Scilla maritima possesses peculiar medicinal properties. The most beautiful species are

Scilla amæna.	Scilla Italica.
—— Siberica.	—— Peruviana.
—— Verna.	—— præcox.

Pl. 3.

Plate 4. Narcissus Moschatus.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

NARCISSUS Moschatus.

Spanish Daffodil.

Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.

Syn. Narcissus Moschatus. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 1300.

Root bulbous—leaves radical, linear—twisted, glaucous—stem simple, erect—flowers solitary, issuing from a sheath, lanceolate—corolla cream colour, consisting of a tubular nectary, with a laciniated mouth, surrounded by six long tortuose petals—stamens six—pistil one, enclosed in the tube.

This plant is one of the least common and most beautiful of the genus, and is remarkable for the peculiar delicacy of its colour. It is a native of Spain, and was introduced into this country about the year 1759. It requires a light rich soil; and, like all other bulbs, ought only to be removed when the leaves decay. The plant grows from twelve to sixteen inches high, and flowers in April. The genus Narcissus is a very numerous and beautiful one, and affords a delightful variety. Some of the most ornamental are

N. bulbocodium.	N. triandrus.
— poeticus.	— tenuifolius.
— angustifolius.	— incomparibilis.
— biflorus.	— bicolor.
— odorus.	— minor.
— tenuior.

Pl. 4.

Plate 5. Erythronium Dens Canis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

ERYTHRONIUM dens canis.

Common Dog's-tooth Violet.

Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.

Syn. Erythronium dens canis. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 5.

Root bulbous, oblong—leaves radical, broad, lanceolate, somewhat undulate, marked with brown—stem naked, erect—flowers solitary, drooping—corolla campanulate, composed of six equal oval-shaped petals, of a lilac hue, inclining to pink—stamens six, terminated by oblong purple anthers—germen superior—style longer than the stamens—stigma divided into three parts. When the flowers are fully expanded the petals are reflexed. The white variety differs only in the colour of the flower.

There are few plants more desirable for a flower garden than the Erythronium dens canis, and its white variety; and none contribute more to the beauty of our borders in the month of March, or beginning of April. It is a native of Hungary, and some parts of Italy, and was introduced into this country in the year 1596. These plants like a light soil, mixed with bog, and are propagated by offsets, which may be removed any time after the leaves decay; but the roots should not be kept long out of the ground, as they are liable to shrink. Miller mentions two species of the lilac Erythronium; but his distinctions, founded only on the breadth of the leaves, and colour of the flower, would not be sufficient to form a different species. It is, however, worthy of remark, that the leaves of those bulbs which do not bear flowers, are broader and rounder than the others. There are two other species, mentioned by Pursh, in his "Flora of North America," vol. i. p. 230, both bearing yellow flowers, one of which is occasionally seen in our gardens.—Erythronium Americanum.

Pl. 5.

Plate 6. Adonis Vernalis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

ADONIS vernalis.

Perennial Adonis.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Polygynia.

Syn. Adonis vernalis. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 134.

Root fibrous—stem branching, growing to the height of ten or twelve inches—leaves pinnate, pinnatified—calyx five segments, deciduous—flowers terminal—corolla yellow, composed of twelve or fourteen oval-shaped petals—stamens numerous—styles many—germen superior.

Though this plant has been long known in our gardens, having been introduced in the year 1629, it is by no means common. It is found wild on the mountains of Switzerland, and in different parts of Austria. It likes a rich loamy soil, and is increased by parting the roots; but to have it in perfection it should be grown in large patches, and seldom divided, when it makes a beautiful appearance in the flower garden in the months of March or April. In its native country, this plant does not exceed four inches in height, and the flowers are of a much more brilliant colour. There are two other species of Adonis, but they are seldom met with.

A. autumnalis.
— flammea.

Pl. 6.

Plate 7. Primula Auricula.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

PRIMULA auricula.

Auricula.

Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.

Syn. Primula auricula. Jacquin Flo. Aus. 5, t. 415?

Root fibrous—leaves radical, ovate, dentate—base entire—stem simple, radical—flower terminal, corymbose—calyx five segments—corolla monopetalous, cream colour, slightly tinged with yellow, five segments, emarginate—stamens five—pistil one.

This plant is a native of Switzerland, and was introduced into this country about the year 1596. It is the parent of all the beautiful varieties of Auricula, which are now cultivated in our gardens. It grows low, and, like many of the genus, is suitable and ornamental for rock work. The Primulas flourish most in a mixture of loam, decayed leaves, and bog earth, and, like all Alpine plants, require a pure atmosphere. The leaves of this species are apt to vary in form, the margins occasionally being entire. Some of the most beautiful are the following:—

Primula nivalis.	Primula villosa.
—— cortusoides.	—— farinosa.
—— helvetica.	—— Scotica.
—— decora.	—— Pallasii.
—— integrifolia.	—— minima.
—— marginata.

Pl. 7.

Plate 8. Sanguinaria Grandiflora.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Jun^r.

SANGUINARIA grandiflora.

Large-flowered Bloodwort.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Monogynia.

Syn. Lyon's MSS.

Root tuberous, knobbed—leaves radical, lobed—lobes laciniated, light green, under surface reddish purple—veins red—enclosing the infant blossom, which gradually emerges from its folds—flower stem simple, erect, about six or eight inches in height—calyx two segments, convex, deciduous—corolla white—petals eight, oblong, obtuse—stamens many—style very short—germen superior, terminated by a stigma divided into two parts.

This beautiful species, which is much larger than the Sanguinaria Canadensis, was introduced into this country about the year 1812, by the late Mr. John Lyon, with several other valuable plants, collected by him in different parts of North America. It takes its name from the root, which, when broken, emits a red juice resembling blood, with which the Indians are said to paint themselves. Its blossoms are transient, and, like many other Spring flowers, require the warmth of the sun to expand them. It grows best in bog soil and a sheltered situation, and may be increased by parting its roots, which should be done in the Autumn, to prevent any check to its flowering in the following March or April. There is only another species, the S. Canadensis, above alluded to.

Pl. 8.