The French Strain of Narcissus jonquilla Brought Upriver by Settlers from New Orleans

摘要

At the old homestead where I live, I don't mow until all the daffodils have matured. And in that old yard, there were some daffodils that we called "jonquils", others "Twin Sisters" (Narcissus x medioluteus) which were late, one of the last to bloom,and then clumps of what we called "Butter and Eggs," which were correct. There was little else, if anything, in the way of Daffodils except what we and others called "Buttercups," which was Narcissus pseudonarcisus. These were all cherished because theybloomed early, were fragrant, and were so prolific in bloom that they were allowed to be picked for bouquets. One of the first to bloom was a strain of Narcissus jonquilla which was vigorous, prolific to self sow, and was well liked, but generally too hard to pick for bouquets because it took so many to make a showing. But their fragrance did make a statement. By moonlight in early spring on a warm night, they were romantic. This was before the rotary lawn mower, so they were usually allowed to seed and reproduce. These were called "Jonquils," and only they were so called, as other common names were applied to the others.