This plant, formerly known as Amaryllis lutea, is a native of the South of Europe, and various parts of the East. Though introduced into this country as early as 1596, it is by no means common. When planted in the front of the borders it is very ornamental, particularly when exposed to a bright sun, which causes the flowers to expand. It has acquired a more interesting character, from the supposition entertained by the late Sir J. E. Smith, that it may possibly be the Lily of Scripture, to which we find such beautiful allusions in the Sacred writings. Sir J. E. S. observes, "It is natural to presume the Divine Teacher, according to his usual custom, called the attention of his hearers to some object at hand; and, as the fields of the Levant are overrun with the Amaryllis lutea, whose golden liliaceous flowers in Autumn afford one of the most brilliant and gorgeous objects in nature, the expression of 'Solomon, in all his glory, not being arrayed like one of these,' is peculiarly appropriate." It is a plant of easy cultivation, perfectly hardy, and will grow in any good garden soil. At present there are few species of this genus.
| S. colchiciflora. | |
| — Clusiana. |
Pl. 48.
Transcriber's Notes:
Variations in spelling and hyphenation are retained.
Punctuation has been retained as published.
The order of the plates are as presented in the original publication.