MOUNTAIN-SAFFRON: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the hexandra class of plants; and, in the natural method, ranking under the 9th order, Spathaceae. The corolla is funnel-shaped, and hexapetalous, with the heels narrow, supporting the stamens. There are two species, the alpinum and vernum. The first fort grows naturally on the Alps, and also on Snowdon in Wales. It hath a small bulbous root, which sends forth a few long narrow leaves somewhat like those of saffron, but narrower. In the middle of these the flower comes out, which stands on the top of the footstalk, growing erect, and is shaped like those of the crocus, but smaller; the foot-stalk rises about three inches high, and hath four or five short narrow leaves placed alternately upon it below the flower. This flowers in March, and the seeds are ripe in May. The second is a native of Spain. It hath a bulbous root shaped like those of the snow-drop, which sends out three or four spear-shaped concave leaves, between which comes out the flower, standing on a very short footstalk. The flowers appear about the same time with the last; at first they are of a pale colour, but afterwards change to a whitish purple. These plants may be propagated by off-sets at the decay of the flower and leaf every second or third year; also, by sowing the seed in pots in autumn, sheltering them in a frame from frost; and the plants will appear in the spring, which, at the decay of the leaves, may be taken up for planting in the borders in October, where they will flower the year following.