GALANTHUS (from gala, milk, and anthos, a flower, in reference to the milk-white flowers). Snowdrop. ORD. Amaryllideae. A well-known genus, containing three species of hardy bulbous plants. It is distinguished from Leucoium principally in having the three inner segments of the perianth shorter than the outer. Snowdrops are well-known and general favourites, on account of the modest beauty displayed by their flowers at the early season in which they appear; hence, no word of recommendation is needed to insure their cultivation, which is of the simplest description, as the roots thrive in almost any soil or position outside. When once planted, it is best to let them take care of themselves, as lifting has a tendency to dry the bulbs, which is not desirable if it can be avoided. Snowdrops are cheap and attractive subjects for naturalising in grass, by woodland drives, &c., as, if planted where the soil is suitable, and left alone, they increase rapidly, and annually appear to flower almost suddenly, about the beginning of February. Pot Culture. If a number of roots are purchased with the ordinary Dutch bulbs in autumn, and about eight placed in a 5in. pot, an interesting addition may be obtained for greenhouse decoration in January. Snowdrops will not bear forcing, and, if it is attempted, failure in securing flowers is almost certain. After potting, they should be covered with ashes until growth commences. The pots should then be removed and kept in a light position in a cold frame, giving plenty of air at all times when the weather is mild. Both the single and double forms seldom fail to flower when treated in this way. GALANTHUS Elwesii (Elwes's).* fl., petals (inner perianth segments) constricted above the middle, slightly notched at the apex, and marked with green spots at the base. l. twisted within the sheath, not folded. h. 6in. to 12in. Asia Minor, 1875. A very distinct large-flowered form, and said to be the finest of the genus. (B. M. 6166.) GALANTHUS nivalis (snowy).* Common Snowdrop. fl. with white perianth segments, the three inner streaked with green on the inside, and having a spot of the same colour on the outside, pendulous. l. keeled, linear, obtuse, usually in twos. Bulb ovate. h. 4in. to 6in. Europe. This well-known plant has a number of more or less distinct varieties. Imperati is a very large form, with outer segments of the flower very abrupt and narrow at the base (G. C. n. s., xi. 237); latifolius (= Redoutei) differs only in its very broad strap-shaped leaves (G. C. n. s., xv. 404.); major; reflexus, with outer perianth segments reflexed; Shaylockii (G. C. n. s., xi. 343); and virescens, with inner segments all over green, are varieties. There is also a well-known double form. GALANTHUS nivalis caucasicus (Caucasian). fl., outer segments pure white, broader, more convex on the back, and with a narrower claw, than in the genuine G. nivalis, 3/4in. to 1in. long, the inner ones obovate-cuneate, with a deep notch and two erect, rounded lobes, only marked green outside in a horse-shoe patch round the notch, but within streaked with green and white more than half-way down. The varieties latifolius (=Redoutei) and virescens belong to this sub-species. GALANTHUS plicatus (folded).* fl. somewhat similar to those of GALANTHUS nivalis, but sometimes smaller, and of a greenish hue. l. with a longitudinal fold on both sides near the edge, whence the specific name. h. 6in. Crimea, 1818. This rare species is, with the exception of the flower, larger in all its parts than GALANTHUS nivalis, but is not, however, so pretty. (B. M. 2162; G. C., n. s., xi. 236.)