The name of Hepatica for this plant is from the Greek word hepatikos, which signifies belonging to the liver, as the form of the leaf is supposed to resemble that of the liver.

It was formerly called Trinity Herb. We conclude this name was given to the plant on account of its leaf, which has the appearance of three leaves united into one.

The Single Hepatica was cultivated in our gardens previous to the time of Gerard, who also notices the double varieties, but states that they are strangers to England, and it does not appear that the Dutch florists were in possession of the Double Hepaticas so late as 1614. In 1629, Parkinson tells us from Clusius, that Alphonsus Pontius first sent them out of Italy, and Clusius further states that the Hepatica with double flowers was also found in the woods near the castle of Starnbey, in Austria.

When flowers become double in their natural situation, which is but rarely the case, it is owing to some accidental circumstance analogous to cultivation, such as keeping the seed out of the earth beyond its due time, or its falling in situations where it has not the power of perfecting its blossoms; for a flower becomes more imperfect as it is more doubled, the stamens often becoming wholly converted into petals, as in the Double

Hepatica, which is, therefore, not able to produce seed. Such plants necessarily require the hand of cultivation to prevent their becoming extinct.

The change of colour in plants is principally owing to soil, and of this Mr. Bradley relates a remarkable circumstance. "Some roots of the Double Blue Hepatica were sent to Mr. Harrison, of Henley-upon-Thames, from Mr. Keys's garden, in Tothill-fields, whose soil was so different from the ground they were planted in at Henley, that when they came to blossom there, they produced white flowers, and were, therefore, returned back to their first station, where they retook the blue colour they had at first."

A few seasons ago, a remarkable fine Hydrangea was exhibited at a meeting of the London Horticultural Society, which had entirely changed its pink tints to a perfect blue colour on being planted in peat earth. We also recollect having seen a Blue Hydrangea some years back, at a cottage in Hampshire, cuttings from which we planted in common garden mould; the consequence was a return to its natural pink hue.

The Single Hepaticas produce seeds every year; and by sowing them, new varieties may be obtained as in other plants. The time recommended for sowing the seed is the beginning of August. They should be sown in pots or boxes filled with light

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earth; these should be placed so as to receive only the morning sun until October, when they may be removed into a more general sunny situation. The young plants will appear about March, and it is desirable at that period to place them in a spot shaded from all but the morning sun. The young plants require watering in dry seasons, and may be transplanted to their proper situations in the following August, observing to press the earth close to their roots, to prevent their being drawn out of the ground by worms.

CROCUS. Crocus.

Natural Order Ensatæ. Irides, Juss. A Genus of the Triandria Monogynia Class.

Crocus and Smilax may be turn'd to flow'rs,
And the Curetes spring from bounteous show'rs;
I pass a hundred legends stale as these,
And with sweet novelty your taste will please.

OVID, Book 4, Met. 4.

FABULOUS history derives the name of this flower from a beautiful youth named Crocus, who was consumed by the ardency of his love for Smilax; and afterwards metamorphosed into the plant which still bears his name. Others suppose it to be taken from Coriscus, a city and mountain of Cilicia. I is one of the flowers of which Homer has composed the genial couch of Jove and Juno.

And sudden Hyacinths the turf bestrow,
And flow'ry Crocus made the mountain glow.
Iliad, Book 4.

Say, what impels, amidst surrounding snow
Congeal'd, the Crocus' yellow bud to blow?
Say, what retards, amidst the summer blaze,
Th' autumnal bulb, till pale, declining days?
The God of Seasons-whose pervading power
Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower;
He bids each flower his quick'ning word obey,
Or to each ling'ring bloom enjoins delay.

The Spring Crocus is one of the greatest enliveners of the flower-garden from February to April, and when its bulbs are planted in sufficient quantities to give effect, their gaiety is scarcely surpassed by any plant on the parterre; but like the Snowdrop, it is generally too sparingly planted, or placed in rows on each side the walk, reminding us of streetlamps by night. Like the Hepatica, the different varieties should be kept in distinct clumps, but not in beds, like a nurseryman's garden, whose primary object is to increase his plants.

In the borders of Flora, the hand of taste should be displayed, but not in forming fanciful stars or formal squares. Nature should be copied, who sprinkles her plants with that beautiful irregularity which the happiest art cannot surpass. Much must depend, in planting flowers, on the size and form of the garden; but it will always be found that one rich cluster of Crocuses, like a large brilliant, has a more imposing effect than a hundred small diamonds.

The Crocus bulbs should not be removed oftener than every third or fourth year, which is an additional reason for planting them in large patches. They should be placed about two inches from each other; but where banks are to be covered with them, they should be scattered much thinner at the edges. If the earth is of a cold or damp nature, the bulbs should not be covered more than about one