22 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
SPREKELIA., 
Jacobean Lnly. 
S. formosissima (Amaryllis formosissima).— 
There is but one species of this genus under cultivation 
to any extent. This is an old garden favorite, whose 
brilliant crimson flowers are seemingly, in the sun, dusted 
with gold, making them attractive objects. ‘The flowers 
are produced before the leaves. ‘The bulbs should be 
planted as soon as the ground is in condition to work, 
and the flowers will appear early in June. Give them 
ordinary garden culture, take up and store in the same 
manner as Gladiolus, in a dry, dark room, where there 
is no frost. This species is a native of Mexico. The 
variety, S. f. longipetala, with lighter colored flowers, is 
by no means as showy. See engraving on Page 11. 
S. Cybister, said to be a remarkable species, was 
introduced from Bolivia in 1840, but is now lost. 
STERNBERGIA, 
Amaryllis lutea (Mount Etna Lily.)—A small 
genus of half-hardy ornamental bulbs, producing their 
flowers in autumn before the leaves. They grow readily 
in the border, but should have the protection of a frame, 
in order that they can develop their foliage after flower- 
ing, which they cannot do, north of Virginia, out of doors. 
The really distinct species are: 
S. colchiciflora (Colchicum-flowered). — Flowers 
yellowish-white ; blooming in autumn. 
S. lutea.—This is a charming plant, flowers a clear 
bright yellow, like very large Crocuses; several appear 
from the same bulb about the first of October. If both 
were protected against frost, they would make their leaf 
growth in the spring. Both species are worth growing, 
even if the bulbs had to be renewed annually. 
