150 THE BABIANA. 



the parlor, as the foliage is not handsome, and the only 

 beauty of the plants consists in the brilliant blossoms. 



These remarks apply with equal force to Bahianas, Trito- 

 nias, and Sparaxis. Many fine seedling varieties of ixia 

 have been recently raised, which are even more beautiful 

 than the species. A small outlay will import a fine collec- 

 tion of these showy plants, and would give great satisfac- 

 tion to any amateur. It is strange that Cape bulbs are so 

 little grown. 



THE BABIANA. 



The roots of these plants are solid corms, covered with 

 hard, brown scales. A new corm forms every year from 

 the centre of the old one, which forms a hard, dry shell be- 

 neath it. These bulbs have very showy flowers, in form 

 somewhat between an ixia and a gladiolus. 



They are not as hardy as ixias, and are very impatient of 

 wet, especially during the season of rest. A light, sandy soil 

 suits them well ; and, as the leaves are generally hairy and 

 plaited, they are even more subject to attacks of red spider 

 than the ixias. In general, however, they require much 

 the same treatment, and a season of perfect rest, during 

 which they must be kept very dry. They are propagated 



