82 FLOWER-GARDENING. 



OXALIS. 



The Oxalis is a native of the Cape of Good Hope ; the 

 species are numerous, and their roots are very small bulbs, 

 articulated, jointed, or granulated, in a manner peculiar to this 

 genus. They produce curious flowers of various hues, yellow, 

 purple, rose, red, white, striped, vermilion color, etc. The 

 bulbs should be planted in very small pots, in August and 

 September, in a compost consisting of about two-thirds loam, 

 and one-third leaf or light mould, and treated in the same 

 manner as other Cape Bulbs. They increase in a peculiar 

 manner, by the parent bulb striking a fibre down from its base, 

 at the extremity of which is produced a new bulb for the next 

 year's plant, the old one perishing. These plants will flower 

 freely in a green-house. 



P^EONY. 



" Ponia round each fiery ring unfurls, 

 Bares to the noon's bright blaze her sanguine curls." 



Of this genus of splendid plants there are known to be 

 about twenty species, and as many varieties. It is said that 

 the Pceonia officinalis rubra, or common double red Pseony, 

 was introduced into Antwerp upwards of two centuries ago, at 

 which time it was sold at an enormous price. It has since 

 been highly esteemed in Europe and America, and is to be 

 found in all well established gardens, exhibiting its vivid crim- 

 son petals early in June. Many superb species have of late 

 years been brought from China, a few of which may be noticed, 

 with some others which are in very great repute. 



Pceonia alba Chinensis is one of the finest of the herbaceous 

 sorts. The flowers are white, tinged with pink at the bottom 

 of the petals. 



