HIPPEASTRUM. 15 
and the plants will receive a check, which they should 
not have until their natural period for rest, which will 
be indicated by the foliage flecking or turning yellow. 
Propagation by Offsets.—There is but one way 
to propagate any desired variety, viz., by offsets, or 
natural division. Many kinds increase very rapidly, in 
this manner, but great care is necessary in handling the 
bulbs, to obtain good results. It will not do to hasten 
matters; it is best to leave the offsets until there is a 
natural separation; after several offsets are formed 
around the base of the bulb, the larger ones will begin 
to detach themselves gradually, and by the time they are 
nearly large enough to bloom they are but slightly held. 
Then, even, great care must be taken in separating, in 
order to avoid breaking the roots, which become much 
interlaced. ‘The operation should be performed when the 
plants are at rest, by taking the old bulbs from the pot, 
and separating them with as little disturbance as possible. 
Repot the old bulb, with such offsets as do not readily 
part, using as small a pot as will answer, and allowa 
little fresh soil all around the ball. Pot the offsets 
singly, avoiding too large pots; a four-inch pot is suffi- 
ciently large to hold a flowering bulb. Keep about two- 
thirds of the bulb above the level of the soil; see that 
the roots are spread evenly and not crowded or bruised ; 
give them a good watering, and place them where they 
are to remain until they flower. 
Cultivation.—The cultivation of the Hippeastrums 
is very simple; they prefer a strong loam, free from 
decayed vegetable matter, and a season of rapid growth, 
followed by a season of perfect rest, until started again. 
In their native habitat they have a season continuously 
. wet, followed by one correspondingly dry. The heat is 
most intense about the time the plants have completed 
their growth and the bulbs are ripening. The evergreen 
varieties require a rest, but must not be suffered to 
