54 GARDEN AND FARM TOPICS. 



The plants may be potted at any time of the year, tak- 

 ing care not to damage the bulbs or roots, and removing 

 as much of the old soil as possible. The soil should be 

 composed of loam, leaf mould, sand, and well-rotted 

 manure in equal proportions. Give the pots liberal drain- 

 age. While they are growing freely they should have 

 plenty of water and liquid manure twice a week. They 

 should be syringed twice a day. The temperature of the 

 house during winter should not fall below 70, and the 

 plants should have a good share of sunshine. 



If wanted to flower during the winter months, water 

 should be used sparingly from August to October. The 

 bulbs should be disturbed as little as possible, repotting 

 when necessary, without division. Side shoots may be 

 taken off at any time and potted in small pots, and, if 

 well managed, they will flower in a year. The green fly 

 and thrips are apt to trouble them. They should be 

 sponged off or got rid of by smoking every alternate day 

 for a week. 



The three species at present known are E. grandiflora, 

 the largest and best, E. Amazonica, and E. Candida, a small- 

 flowering species, but very beautiful. They all require 

 the same general treatment. The plant was first intro- 

 duced in 1864. 



THE OXALIS, (Oxalis.) 



THIS genus comprises a great number of species, differ- 

 ing widely in their habits and manner of growth. Some 

 are annuals, some herbaceous perennials, and some green- 

 house shrubs. Many have tuberous roots, and others are 

 bulbs. Some are tender, and others perfectly hardy. 

 The flowers are always handsome in form and beautiful 

 in color. The leaves vary considerably, but they are 



