498 FLORA HISTORICA. 



This species was brought to this country 

 long back as the time of Queen EHzabeth, as 

 Gerard tells us he cultivated it in his garden, 

 yet it still continues rare in our parterres, al- 

 though it is so desirable a flower to contrast 

 with the Purple Colchicum, or Saffron Crocus of 

 the autumn, as it usually continues in flower from 

 the beginning of September to the middle of 

 November, provided it is not planted under the 

 drip of trees or shrubs. It loves an open situ- 

 ation, and thrives best in a fresh, light, and dry 

 soil. The yellow autumnal Amaryllis is perfectly 

 hardy* and increases very fast by its viviparous 

 nature. The season for transplanting the offset 

 bulbs is from the end of May to the end of July, 

 but not later, as they then begin to send out new 

 fibres, and to disturb them after this time will 

 prevent their sending up flowers. We recom- 

 mend that the bulbs should not be taken out of 

 the ground oftener than once in four years, as 

 they will be found to produce stronger and more 

 numerous flowers. This is also one of the flow- 

 ers that may be planted so as to spring out of 

 the turf in many situations, and will give a good 

 effect to banks that surround pieces of water. 



Although we principally confine these volumes 

 to the history of such hardy plants as will flourish 

 in the open garden, we cannot pass over this 



