CAPE BULBS. 171 



As window plants, they do admirably, one species, A. 

 ( Vallota) purpurea, being found in every cottage window. 



A. belladonna is the always admired belladonna lily. 

 Two things are necessary for its flowering : a vigorous 

 growth of the leaves, and entire rest from midsummer until 

 the flowering season in September. The bulbs are very 

 large. Plant in August, in good sized pots ; if your bulb 

 is in good condition, about the middle of September the 

 flower stem will appear, and will develop from four to ten 

 large pink and white lily-shaped flowers, on a stem eigh- 

 teen inches high. As soon as the flower fades, the leaves 

 will appear in profusion ; give plenty of water, light, and 

 air, for on the growth of these depends your next year's 

 bloom. The leaves will continue to grow until the next 

 spring; then the bulb should be allowed to dry off, and 

 absolute rest be given until the time for re-potting. 



Thus treated, not one bulb in a hundred will fail to 

 flower regularly. 



A. llanda, a fine species with an enormous bulb, and 

 flower buds four inches long ; the flower stalk is three feet 

 high. Treatment identical with the above. 



A. (Hippeastrum) aulica, a species with a large bulb, 

 and dark crimson flowers, marked with green and black. 



