spot on each of the three upper segments of the petal : spathe 

 green, enveloping the flower before it opens, and remaining 

 after the flower has withered. 



The beauties of this species cannot be surpassed by any in 

 the genus; and from the root being hardy, it is rendered still 

 more desirable. It was until lately in the possession of such 

 only as could protect it in a greenhouse. This, as well as 

 many other bulbous roots, natives of the Cape of Good Hope, 

 have been proved to endure the winter of this country, and 

 thrive extremely well, by the treatment adopted by the Hon. 

 and Rev. Wm. Herbert at Spofforth. The method of pre- 

 serving the roots is to plant them in a dry south border of 

 light open and sandy earth, and in the winter to protect them 

 with a covering of leaves. They should be planted early in 

 the spring, that the bulbs may mature themselves in the spot 

 where they are to pass the winter : it is very essential that the 

 roots be well ripeiied. With these precautions there is little 

 fear of their succeeding. Where the roots are well established, 

 they will produce stems from two to three feet in height with 

 a profusion of flowers, which, from the opposition of scarlet 

 and white, become truly interesting, and vie in splendour 

 with any of the bulbous tribe. 



" The passing Indian turns the admiring eye, 

 Smit by the glories of her crimson dye." 



This plant is readily increased by the roots, the separating 

 of which should be done early in the spring ; and it is better 

 that the roots should remain in the border during the winter, 

 provided it be tolerably dry, rather than be taken up. It was 

 introduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 1 790. 



This figure was taken from a bed of luxuriant bulbs of 

 this plant at Messrs. Whitley, Brames, and Milne's Nursery, 

 Fulham. 



REFERENCE TO THE PLATE. 



Section showing the position of the stamens and pistil. 



