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G A L A N T H U S nivalis.
Snowdrop.
H E X A N D R I A Monogynia.
Gen. Char. Corolla of fix petals, three of which are
fmaller than the reft, and emarginated. Stigma
Ample.
Spec. Char. . . .
Syn. Galanthus nivalis. Finn. Sp. P I. 41 3- FudJ.
F I. An. 140. With. Bot. A rr. 3 4 °-
O N the authority of Mr. Hudfon and Dr. Stokes, the Snowdrop
is now admitted into the lift of Britifh plants, although
not defcribed as fuch by Ray. Whether originally a native or
not, it is now found in a wild ftate in many different fituations,
fuch as orchards, graffy meadows, groves, and thickets. Dr.
Stokes, whofe accuracy and extenfive information none who
perufes the Botanical Arrangement of Britifh Plants can doubt, is
particularly exaCt in afferting that he has gathered it remote
from all traces of buildings or gardens.
No plant is more generally cultivated, or more cordially welcomed
as the herald of approaching fpring. It frequently
pierces through the unmelted fnow, which it rivals in white-
nefs, and remains uninjure.d by a feafon, during whofe inclemency
molt vegetable productions lie dormant. Who can
read the following charming lines on the Snowdrop, by Mrs.
Barbauld, without admiration ?
“ As nature’s breath, by fome transforming pow’r,
“ Had chang’d an icicle into a flow’r.------
“ Its name and hue the fcentlefs plant retains,
“ And winter lingers in its icy veins.”
Our figure reprefents the entire plant drawn from a garden
fpecimen, it not being eafy to obtain a perfectly wild one. Annexed
are the parts of fructification feparate, viz. ift, the ftamina
and piftillum (the petals being cut off) ; next, the ftyle and ger-
men alone, and an anthera magnified in two different pofitions.