CAPE BULBS. 169 



with hairy down ; flowers of long duration, if not exposed to too strong 

 a light. A pot of this bulb, in full bloom, is one of the most splendid 

 ornaments of the parlor. This beautiful bulb may be procured in this 

 country, but not in any quantity. It is often imported under the name 

 of Anomathcca Azurea. 



B. Villosa. A fine species, with dazzling crimson flowers, produced 

 in great profusion. In spite of its name (Villosa), the species is less 

 hairy than others. 



B. Stricta> Produces lilac and white flowers very plentifully, and con- 

 tinues in bloom a long time. The colors are very bright and distinct. 



B. Angustifolil is a pretty dwarf species, with brilliant bluish-pink 

 flowers, which are slightly fragrant. 



B. Sulphured. A fine species, with cream-colored flowers. 



B. Plicata, with violet blue flowers. 



B. Disticha produces white and purple flowers, of an exquisite hy- 

 acinthine fragrance. 



B. Sambucina has rich, purple, fragrant flowers. 



THE H^EMANTHUS. 



This bulb, commonly called Blood Flower, is not uncom- 

 mon, but is grown more for its oddity than its beauty. 



The bulb is very large, often a foot in circumference. 

 About the first of September, it pushes forth a flower stem 

 an inch thick, crowned by a large bud, which, opening, dis- 

 closes a multitude of crowded flowers, of no beauty. These 

 soon fade, and the bulb then produces two immense leaves, 

 which often grow eighteen inches long and six^ inches wide, 

 hanging down, one on each side of the pot. These wither ; 

 15 



