t is very different from the _Colchicum_ (Sprengle),
as may be seen by the drawing (Fig. 21), and _Merendera_ (Bieberstein)
is only another Spanish name for _Colchicum_. The new name, authorised
by Adams, may have been the cause, all or in part, of its being taken
for a new species. The specific name may be presumed to be in reference
to either its deeply-channelled, almost keeled leaves, which have the
appearance of three corners, or in allusion to the triangular way in
which they are disposed. It is a desirable flower for several
reasons--its earliness, durability, rich perfume, and intrinsic beauty.

[Illustration: FIG. 21. BULBOCODIUM TRIGYNUM.

(Full size.)]

The little plant, at the height of 2in., produces its rather large
flowers in ones and twos in February, and they last for many days in
perfect form. The scent reminds one of the sweet honey smell of a white
clover field during summer. The colour is very pale lilac, nearly white;
the tube takes on a little greenness; it is also divided, though the
slits are invisible until the bloom begins to fade. The corolla, of
irregular segments, is 11/2in. across when expanded; the stamens are half
the length of the petal-like segments, and carry anthers of exquisite
beauty, especially when young, then they are orange colour, divided like
a pair of half-opened shells, and edged with chocolate; the styles are a
delicate pale green, and rather longer than the stamens. The leaves, as
already stated, are channelled, broadest at the base, tapering to a
point, which is rather twisted; they are 2in. long during the blooming
period, of a deep green colour, stiff, but spreading, forming a pretty
accurate triangle. This description, together with the cut, will suggest
both the uses and positions in which it should be planted; if a single
blossom, when brought indoors, proves strongly fragrant, it is easy to
imagine what a clump must be in the garden. Like those of the colchicum,
its flowers are quickly developed; the leaves grow longer afterwards,
and die off in summer.

It thrives in a sandy loam or leaf soil, in a sunny part, and increases
itself at the roots like the saffrons.

Flowering period, February and March.

Bulbocodium Vernum.

SPRING BULBOCODIUM, _or_ SPRING SAFFRON; _Nat. Ord._
MELANTHACEAE.

In mild winters, sheltered positions, and light vegetable soil, this
bulbous plant may be seen in blossom from January to March. The flowers
appear before the l