But gems of every form and hue Man to his brother shuts his heart, Oh, art is but a scanty rill though so safely lodged, would, after all, be lost to the purpose for which all seeds are intended. Lest this should be the case, a second admirable provision is made, to raise them above the surface when they are perfected, and to sow them at a proper distance: viz. the germ grows up in the spring upon a fruit-stalk, accompanied with leaves. The seeds now, in common with those of other plants, have the benefit of the summer, and are sown upon the surface. The order of vegetation externally is this. The plant produces its flowers in September; its leaves and fruit in the spring following." Another intelligent writer, Gilbert White, author of the "Natural History of Selborne," after remarking on the singularity of the vernal and the autumnal crocus opening their blossoms at such different seasons of the year, notwithstanding the great similarity in the general character and appearance of the flowers, thus concludes his observations: "Say what impels, amid surrounding snow |