148 THE IXIA. 



guish the species by proper labelling. They require only to 

 be planted in sandy loam, from four to eight bulbs, accord- 

 ing to the size, in an eight-inch pot, and to have the general 

 treatment of Cape bulbs. They bloom in March, and, if 

 well grown, make a splendid show. The different species 

 are propagated by the natural increase of the bulbs. Seed- 

 lings are easily raised. 



/. viridiflora. — This is one of the most charming plants 

 we know. The color of the flowers — a peculiarly delicate 

 and yet vivid, indescribable green, with a dark, black eye 

 — produces an effect to which no words of ours can do 

 justice. 



It is a strong-growing species, and blooms freely, but 

 often fails to perfect bulbs as large as those planted. It 

 can readily be imported, and is very cheap. 



/. erecta. — A fine species, with a long spike of white 

 flowers, with a dark eye. It produces plenty of offsets, and, 

 with the variety incarnata, should be in every collection. 



I. monadelpha. — A pretty, free-blooming species, having 

 a peculiar, flattened bulb. The flowers are blue, with 

 green eye, and variously banded. 



I. conica. — A lovely and very showy species, with orange 

 flowers and crimson buds. As the flowers are very freely 



