Cur. This, like the rest. of the genus, is an herbaceous plant, 
the stem dying to the ground after having flowered and perfected 
its singular roots, or rather underground stems. These are 
composed of numerous closely-packed scales, surrounding an 
elongated axis, each scale when separated being capable of pro- 
ducing a distinct plant. In a natural state the roots lie dormant 
during the dry season, and start into vigorous growth on the 
return of the rains. ‘To imitate this, the roots (having been 
kept dry all the winter) require in the spring to be taken out of 
the last year’s mould and repotted in soil composed of light. 
loam and a portion of leaf-mould or sandy peat, so as to form a 
light open compost, not retentive of water. The roots may be 
either planted whole, or divided according to the number of 
plants required, planting them in wide shallow pots or pans ; and 
in order to start them, the pans should be placed in bottom-heat 
in a warm pit or frame. Little water must be given at first, 
but as they advance in growth they will require it pretty freely. 
Care must be taken not to allow them to remain too long in the 
bottom-heat, as they are apt to grow weak. As soon as they 
have attained sufficient strength, they should be removed to a 
more airy part of the stove, shading them from the sun in the 
middle part of the day. If many roots have been put in a pan 
they will require to be thinned, and those that are to remain 
should be carefully supported and trained to the best advantage — 
for displaying the flower. When the flower-stems begin to 
decay, heat and moisture must be gradually withdrawn, but 
even after the stems are quite withered, it is advisable to keep 
the mould moderately moist for several weeks longer ; as, if it is 
too quickly dried up, the roots are apt to shrivel and decay 
during their long season of repose. They may be kept under 
the shelves in the stove, or ina shed, or other dry moderately 
warm place. J. 8. 
