Parlor-Plants. 1 55 



should be loam and sandy peat in about equal proportions, with good 

 drainage. Give plenty of air and sun, and be careful the plants do not 

 suffer for want of water. During the summer, plunge the pots in the ground, 

 and repot in autumn ; but be careful not to disturb the roots, as the 

 plants do not transplant easily. 



Cuttings strike freely in sandy soil under a bell-glass or tumbler, and if 

 rooted in spring, and well grown duiing the summer, will make nice bloom- 

 ing plants by the following autumn. 



The foliage of these plants is neat, finely cut ; and the species are seldom 

 troubled with insects. They may be had in bloom from January to May, 

 according to the amount of heat given. 



A charming bulb for window-culture is the Oxalis in its many species, of 

 which there are about a hundred and fifty. Of these, however, very few 

 are in cultivation, and many are not bulbous. Some are well-known wild 

 plants, and a few are hardy inhabitants of our gardens. 



The blossoms are generally very pretty, and freely produced ; and the 

 foliage is very neat, and often elegant. 



They require but little care, except to avoid over-watering. The proper 

 soil is loam, peat, and sand. As the bulbs are small, several should be 

 planted in the pot to produce a good effect. 



Most of the species in greenhouse cultivation are natives of the Cape 

 of Good Hope, and require the ordinary treatment of Cape bulbs : which 

 is simply to pot them in October ; water slightly until they begin to grow ; 

 then give plenty of air and light ; increase the supply of water until the 

 flowers have faded, and the foliage begins to turn yellow ; then gradually 

 withhold water, and dry off the plant. 



The best species for house-culture are O. versicolor, a charming plant, well 

 adapted for hanging-baskets : flowers white inside, red outside, and very 

 pretty when half expanded. O. Bowsii, large rosy flowers, blooming in 

 early autumn. O. Jlava, a fine species, bearing a profusion of fragrant yellow 

 blossoms. 



O. luxiila and the variety alba have large pink or white blossoms, and 

 are very effective ; but all the Cape species are pretty, and worth growing. 



R. S. Rand, jlun. 



Glen Ridge, February, 1869. 



(To be continued.) 



