the J^atural order Iridacece. 367 



to receive the benefit of all the light possible, and be duly and 

 regularly watered, and supplied with air. When the bulbs have 

 done flowering, water should be gradually withheld until the fo- 

 liage has become nearly dried up, when it may be left ofF alto- 

 gether; the bulbs may stand in the pots, in a dry place, until die 

 season for repotting again. The treatment is so similar to Gla- 

 diolus, that a reference to that genus will prevent a repetition of 

 the particulars of cultivation. 



Babiana. — About eighteen species of the genus, some of 

 which are interesting, and some scarcely worth cultivation. The 

 following are some which we have cultivated, and which are quite 

 ornamental. 



B. plicata. — With spikes of blue flowers, growing about six 

 inches high, and very handsome. The flowers have a slight fra- 

 grance. 



B. stricta. — This species has blue and white flowers, and 

 grows taller than the B. plicata, about a foot. It is a pretty 

 species. 



B. Thunbergi, ringens, distica and rubro-cyanea are each 

 said to be quite beautiful bulbs; the latter has not yet flowered 

 with us. The blue flowers of the species contrast prettily with 

 the yellow and white blossoms of the ixias, the saffron tints of 

 the tritonias, and the yellow and red shades of the sparaxises. 



The management of babianas is very simple and easy. The 

 bulbs should be planted early in October, in sandy peat and loam, 

 planting three good sized bulbs in a number two pot. After they 

 are set out they should be removed to a frame, or some other 

 cool, partially shaded aspect, where they may remain until the 

 approach of cold weather: remove them then to the green-house 

 or parlor, where they will advance in growth and produce their 

 pretty blossoms. When out of flower treat them the same as 

 has been directed for ixias, sparaxises, and similar bulbs. 



Anlholyza. — A very small genus, numbering only three spe- 

 cies. They are showy in a collection of other plants, from their 

 tall and erect growth and bright scarlet blossoms; but individually 

 they possess very little merit. The species are as follows: — 



A. prealta. — A very tall species, growing upwards of four 

 feet high; the flowers are orange colored, small, and produced in 

 spikes. The bulbs are very large and quite flat. 



A. aethiopica. — Less robust in its habit than the former, with 

 spikes of scarlet and green flowers; it grows about two and a 

 half or three feet high, and has a handsome appearance when in 

 bloom. 



A. montana. — This species we possess, but it has not yet 

 flowered; the bulb is now about commencing to start again, and 

 it will probably bloom the coming season. It is said to be fragrant. 



