THE 



FLORICULTURAL CABINET, 



JUNE 1st, 1841. 



PART I. 



EMBELLISHMENTS. 



ARTICLE I. 



SPARAXIS, VARS. {Hybrid Sparaxises.) 

 [Sparaxis, from " sparasso," to tear ; in allusion to its lacerated spathes.] 



These three handsome varieties, represented in our plate, were raised 

 from seed in Guernsey, with numerous others ; and the drawings 

 were sent to us by Mr. James Barbel, of that place. They are most 

 desirable varieties, and deserve a situation wherever practicable. 



In this country the greater part of the kinds will grow well in a 

 south border, planted about six inches deep, within two or three 

 inches of the wall ; or at the front of a greenhouse, conservatory, 

 stove, &c. The soil should be a sandy vegetable mould, as the frost 

 is less likely to affect the bulbs in winter. When planted in such a 

 situation, however, a covering of dry leaves, sprinkled over with soil, 

 that they may not be blown away, is found beneficial. When so 

 cultivated, they bloom much more vigorously than when grown in pots, 

 and continue to bloom from May to August. We have seen them in 

 some instances push flower-spikes to the height of three feet ; and in 

 Guernsey we have been informed they have attained even four feet. 



When they are cultivated in pots, the compost should be formed 

 of a mixture of sandy loam, decayed leaves, and peat-soil, in equa 

 proportions. The pots should have a very free drainage. 



The time of planting is October, the bulbs being inserted an inch 

 deep ; immediately after they should be placed in a cool frame, as 

 they only require protection from frost, till the pots are well filled 



Vol. IX. No. 100. m 



