168 CAPE BULBS. 



Oxalis Alba, Multiflora, Cuprea, Elegans, Palmata, Hirtetta, Lasian- 

 dra, and Speciosa, are all pretty varieties, worthy of cultivation. 



THE BABIANA. 



This is a very handsome genus of .Cape bulbs, with hairy 

 plaited leaves, and brilliant flowers. 



They are natives of arid plains, and during their growing 

 season will bear much wet, and when dry will not be 

 injured by great heat. In their native haunts the ground 

 often becomes powdery, and the bulbs lie exposed to the 

 fierce rays of the sun. 



The general treatment prescribed for ixias will suit them 

 well. The soil should be kept open by sufficient sand, yet 

 should be rich, say two parts sandy loam, and one part 

 black leaf mould. 



These plants are very subject to attacks of the red spider, 

 for which constant syringing is the remedy. It is to be 

 remembered that in this " an ounce of prevention is worth 

 a pound of cure/' for when the red spider once makes a 

 home in the hairy leaves it is very difficult to dislodge him. 

 Seedlings are easily raised, and flower the third year. The 

 following, from some twenty species, are the best : 



Babiana Rubro Cyanea. A very handsome plant. Flower very bril- 

 liant; colors dark blue and dazzling crimson; leaves broad, covered 



