BULBS AND TUBERSHALF-HARDY SPECIES 59 



saving for stock, but in any case they must be separated from 

 the large bulbs. Three weeks under ashes will generally 

 suffice, and then a cold frame, open day and night, except in 

 drenching rain, will be the best position until the frost, which 

 seldom fails to come during the first week in October ; then 

 an additional thick mat will be needed, and the frame must be 

 closed in the evening, but as much air as possible should be 

 given during the day. It often happens that weeks of mild 

 weather follow that first early frost, but let the leaves get once 

 badly frosted, all the hopes of the year are lost as far as flowers 

 are concerned. This open-air treatment, as far as it can be 

 carried out, gives far better results with Lachenalias than 

 coddling, and with many other half-hardy bulbs as well. 

 Several species of Lachenalia may be used with good effect as 

 basket-plants. 



Freesias may be grown on the same lines, and stand up 

 firmly on their wiry stems under cool treatment, instead of 

 flopping about in the tiresome way they often do in heat. 

 Never shall I forget a March day in a garden on the Aventine 

 at Rome where Freesias reigned supreme. Under the Palms, 

 bordering the shrubberies, indeed, everywhere, they reared 

 their pretty heads and filled the air with sweetness. With 

 plenty of moisture at the root, dry air above, and with as 

 much sun as our wintry skies will allow, they will do almost 

 as well under a glass shelter, only frost must not touch 

 them. 



Somewhat in the same category come Ixias so exquisite 

 when they open wide their filmy, many-coloured tissues to 

 the sunbeams. The taller Sparaxis pulcherrima, too, not 

 often seen, but very beautiful, is a gem tor the cold green- 

 house. For hanging-pots or baskets the sulphur-coloured 

 Oxalis cernua, sold now as the Bermuda Buttercup on the 

 principle that it comes from Madeira and is no Buttercup is 

 most ornamental. Six of the bulbs, not very large at best, 



