Thirteen] UjOUS atlS '55 



when dry remove from the centre tuber and sort, sav- 

 ing the largest bulbs. 



Crinums and Amaryllis 



FOR the past year or so an unusual amount of in- 

 terest has been shown in this magnificent class 

 of plants, followed in many instances by grievous dis- 

 appointment, as, led away by the glowing descrip- 

 tions of the dealers, investments are made in bulbs 

 whose proper culture is entirely unknown. It is to be 

 regretted that dealers sending out bulbs requiring spe- 

 cial treatment as the Crinums do not give instruc- 

 tions for their culture. It would save a vast amount 

 of disappointment, complaint, and distrust. Unfort- 

 unately many florists do not themselves understand 

 their requirements; they merely purchase the bulbs 

 from other dealers, and publish trade advertisements 

 and illustrations. 



Seen in bloom under proper conditions and treat- 

 ment it is not strange that florists wax eloquent in 

 their praise, and invest heavily in bulbs which they 

 sell to an ignorant and confiding public. There is, 

 however, little difficulty in growing the Crinum in- 

 deed, I know of no plant more easily grown, once it 

 is understood. 



Most of the complaints show that there has been 

 no effort made to study the nature of the plant. A 

 little study would show that an immense bulb like 



