404 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



STAR OF BETHLEHEM. 



ORNITHOGALUM. 



ASPHODELE^l. HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



The botanical name of this genus is from two Greek words, which 

 signify bird and milk; which Mr. Martyn supposes to be intended to 

 express the whiteness of the flowers or roots of some of the species, like 

 the feathers or beaks of some birds. But this is surely a long way to 

 fetch a name,, or its explanation. French, 1'ornithogale ; churles. 

 Italian, ornitogalo ; latte d' uccello. 



THE Snowy Star of Bethlehem, the Spear-leaved, the 

 Long-spiked, the Cape, the Grass-leaved, and the Golden, 

 are all from the Cape, and too tender to thrive in the open 

 air. In the beginning of July, when the leaves and stalks 

 decay, the roots may be taken up, and laid in a dry place 

 till the end of August, when they must be planted again. 

 They may be increased by offsets. 



The Pyrenean, Close-spiked, Broad-leaved, and Pyra- 

 midal kinds, are hardy bulbs : they may be increased by 

 offsets, which they produce in great plenty. They should 

 be transplanted in July or August, but not oftener than 

 every second year. They should have a light sandy soil. 



All the kinds must be kept moderately moist. 



In the East, the roots of some of the species are boiled 

 and eaten. 



STAR LILY. 



AMARYLLIS. 



AMARYLLIDE^E. HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



French, amarillis. Italian, giglio narciso [narcissus lily]. 

 THE name of Amaryllis is supposed to be derived from 

 a Greek word signifying splendour ; " and is given," says 

 Mr. Martyn, " with great propriety, to this splendid genus." 



