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there are several varieties. Asin the case of other Spring 
fiowering bulbs, if the ground where they are growing 
can be cultivated sufficiently to receive other plants, they 
may remain in the ground undisturbed for years. 
——— 
ASTIBILE JAPONICA. 
A: PERFECTLY hardy herbaceous plant. From the 
== dark green cut leaves arises numerous crowded pani- 
cles of feathery white flowers. It is used extensively for 
forcing in pots for early Spring blooming in the green- 
house, where it makes a very ornamental plant. It 
delights in lots of water when growing in the green- 
house. Plants that have been forced into bloom in this 
manner are seidom of any account for out door culture 
afterwards. If fresh clumps are procured in the Falland 
set out in the garden, they will remain for years and 
flower beautifully in the early Spring and Summer. 
SPARAXIS. 
> GENUS that is fast rising in the estimation of both 
== the florist and the gardener. It isa dwarf bulbous 
family of plants from the Cape of Good Hope, producing 
flowers about the size and shape of those of the Crocus, 
the colors of which are now of infinite variety; pure 
white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and violet, are to be 
found, either separate or blended in pleasing variations. 
They succeed best planted in a frame, where they can 
have a slight protection during Winter. They succeed 
well also grown in pots in a cool greenhouse. The bulbs 
should be potted in September, and kept under a bench 
until they begin to grow, when they should be given 
