CAPE BULBS. 163 



THE IXIA. 



These are all bulbs of easy growth, and remarkable for 

 the brilliancy of their flowers. About the latter part of 

 November, or earlier if the bulbs begin to grow, they should 

 be shaken from the soil in the pots, and planted anew, in a 

 compost made of one part sandy loam and one part peaty 

 earth, with a little well-decomposed dung, in new, clean 

 pots ; fill the pots about an inch deep with small crocks to 

 secure good drainage, as the plants never thrive if the earth 

 around the roots become sodden. Place the pots in a cool 

 place till the plants begin to grow, when they should be 

 placed in a strong light on a shelf close to the window. As 

 a general rule, all bulbs should be grown as close to the 

 glass as possible, as thus the leaves are shorter and of a 

 better color, and the plants never become drawn, weak, and 

 sickly. Do not attempt to force these plants ; they do not 

 bear it well, and are deficient in size and number of flowers. 

 The temperature sufficient to grow them is about forty 

 degrees at night, to sixty by day. 



Five or six bulbs in a ten-inch pot, are quite sufficient, 

 but never mix the varieties ; the bulbs in a dry state are 

 very similar, therefore each pot should be labelled distinctly, 



