46 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
the majority of bulbs, it delights in a rich sandy loam. 
In such positions it flowers freely and increases rapidly 
by division. When in favorable positions the bulbs will 
increase so rapidly that they should be separated and 
replanted every second or third year. The flowers are 
crocus-like, of a purple-violet color, with white spots,’ 
usually two or three from a bulb. ‘There is a desirable 
variety, with purple flowers striped with white. 
B. versicolor.—Flowers in August, but is rarely 
seen. In general character and habit it resembles the 
spring-flowering species, which is the more highly 
esteemed because it is a spring flower. None of the 
crocus tribe would be extensively cultivated but for the 
fact of their being about the first to welcome spring. 
BUTTERFLY WEED. 
See Asclepias tuberosa, Page 33. 
CALADIUM. 
The Caladium has but few rivals in the list of orna- 
mental leaved plants, if taken at the height of its beauty, 
which is in midsummer. Jn point of general usefulness 
it does not rank very high, as it is only adapted for the 
greenhouse. ‘The delicate texture of its leaves will not 
permit of other than the most careful handling, and 
they must have the humid atmosphere which the green- 
house alone affords. High temperature, great moisture, 
without direct sunshine, and protection from cold drafts, 
are the conditions favorable to its perfect development. | 
The genus is found in the tropical swamps of Brazil, 
growing in soil as rich as decayed vegetation, aided by 
tropical suns, can make it. While the roots cannot 
have too much moisture, nothing is more fatal to the 
foliage than water. Like most tropical plants, it desires 
alternate seasons, or periods, of active growth and abso- 
lute rest. The Caladium is not a difficult subject to 
grow to perfection, when liberally treated. But it will 
