40 



two-flowered. The bractea lanceolate, acuminate, shorter than the 

 peduncle. There are three filaments without antherae. 



They are all natives of the Cape. 



Culture. — The best method of propagating these plants, is by 

 means of offsets from the roots, which sliould be taken after the 

 plants have flowered in the summer months. These are then to be 

 planted out in pots filled with good light mould, and placed under 

 the protection of hot-bed frames during the winter season. In this 

 ■way they mostly succeed and produce flowers. But it is a better 

 practice, where the convenience of a border can be had in the front 

 of the greenhouse or stove, to plant them in the natural ground in 

 these situations, as in this method they both thrive better, and flower 

 with more vigour than when kept in pots. 



The third sort is asserted by Miller to be capable of being raised 

 from seeds, when they can be procured from abroad, as they seldom 

 or ever ripen any in this climate. 



The second species is also said to be of so hardy a nature, as 

 .sometimes to succeed when planted out on a border of light earth, 

 in the open ground. All the species are ornamental, and afford 

 variety in the greenhouse or stove. 



