NAT. ORDER. AMARYLLlDACEiE. 25 



but has now become naturalized in Madeira, and almost so in 

 Portugal and Italy. It is so hardy in the English gardens, that it 

 may not only be grown in the open air, but it does not require ta- 

 king up in winter. Two things, however, we are informed, are 

 necessary to its flowering, viz. : " a strong growth of the leaves, and 

 absolute rest from midsummer till the period of flowering in Sep- 

 tember. If the leaves sprout early, and are so much damaged I)y 

 severe frosts, that a vigorous growth does not ensue in spring ; or 

 if they have not moisture in September to promote the blossom- 

 ing, it will fail, and in the latter case the abortive flower-buds will 

 be thrown out of the ground when the leaves sprout afterwards." 

 On this account it is recommended putting a hand-glass or some 

 other covering over the bulbs, so as to keep off the rain in a wet 

 summer. There are also two other varieties cultivated in gar- 

 dens, the Amaryllis pallida, which is paler than the species here 

 represented, and the Amaryllis latifolia, which has broader leaves. 

 The bulbs of all the varieties are very large, and should be plant 

 ed in July and August, in a very richly manured, loamy soil, in 

 front of a south wall, where they will flower abundantly. 



Medical Properties a7id Uses. The medical qualities of thid 

 plant, together with all its varieties, are that of a poisonous char- 

 acter, and consequently is but little used in medicine. The best 

 mode of obtaining its virtues is by procuring an extract, after the 

 following manner. Take of the leaves and flowers any quantity, 

 press them into a vessel, and add sufficient alcohol to cover them: let 

 this stand for fourteen days; then press out the liquor, and filter; 

 after which place the tincture so filtered in tin or earthen pans, 

 and expose to the sun for evaporation : after it is reduced to the 

 consistency of an extract, it should be gathered, and placed in 

 earthen pots, tightly covered, when it will keep good for any length 



of time. Given in moderate doses, its effects are similar to tnose 

 of Belladonna. 



