162 CAPE BULBS. 



of that region, it is obvious that the bulbs must have a 

 season of rest. The year is there divided into two por- 

 tions, the dry and rainy seasons ; during the one, the earth 

 is saturated with moisture ; during the other, parched with 

 drought. 



The general rule of culture is evident. When the plants 

 start into growth, give plenty of water and sun ; keep them 

 vigorously growing until after the flowers have faded ; then 

 dry them off gradually, by watering less and less, till the 

 foliage withers ; then place them in a dry, airy place, with- 

 out removing them from the pots, until the season of 

 

 growth. The soil should be sandy loam, for almost all the 



species. Never allow water to stand round the roots. 



The time for potting is from October to December ; they 

 will flower from February to April ; let them dry off from 

 March to June, and rest till October. These are but gen- 

 eral rules ; special cultural directions will be given when 

 we treat of each species. We have only described a few of 

 those best adapted for the house. There are more than a 

 hundred species, and countless varieties. To those who 

 would see their beauty, and are unable to grow them, we 

 would recommend Mrs. London's book on Bulbous Plants, 

 where most of them are described, and colored illustrations 

 of many of the finest given, 



