THE FERRAmA. 173 



Wlieu well grown, it is very showy; for, although the 

 iiulividual flowers are small aud dull-colored, they are 

 produced ou a loug spike iu great profusion. 



F. meleagris. — This is the well-known guinea-hen 

 flower, and is a native of England. The bulb is 

 small, white, and flat, and produces one large nodding 

 flower. The species is perfectly hardy, and requires 

 only the same care as a crocus, except that it does 

 not need frequent rephmting. There are other species, 

 of wliich we may mention F. latifoUa and tencUa, which 

 resemble F. mehagris^ F. hdea with yellow, and F. 

 ohllqaa with dark-purple flowers. 



THE FERRARIA. 



These are Cape bulbs, and are worthy of culture 

 by tlie amateur, though the flowers are dull-colored. 

 They require to be potted iu October, in sandy loam, 

 with a little peat, moderately watered during growth, 

 aud kept perfectly dry when at rest. They flower in 

 early spring, and then immediately lose their foliage. 



The plants are all dwarf, and the bulbs small: in 

 growth, they need a light, airy situation. 



