52 GARDEN AND FARM TOPICS. 



an abundance of offsets every year, from which the market 

 is supplied. 



The bulbs are usually planted in September and Octo- 

 ber, in pots of very sandy loam, and placed in the green- 

 house or in a window where they will have plenty of 

 light. They will flower in December and January, and 

 remain in flower for a long time. After flowering, and 

 when the leaves begin to turn yellow, water should be 

 gradually withheld till the bulbs are ripe. During the 

 summer, while the bulbs are dormant, the pots may be 

 kept in the green-house or placed in the open air, the 

 latter being the better way. Shift into a larger sized pot 

 about the beginning of September, or earlier if the bulbs 

 show signs of growing, but do not break up the cluster 

 of bulbs, or disturb the roots more than is necessary to 

 break away a portion of the old soil. Water moderately 

 till growth has freely started. The true Guernsey Lily 

 is N. sarniensis. 



SPARAXIS, (Sparaxis.) 



THIS genus is fast rising in the estimation of both the 

 florist and the gardener. Varieties, very pleasing in 

 color, are annually raised in Europe. It is a dwarf 

 bulbous family of plants from the Cape of Good Hope, 

 producing flowers about the size and shape of those of 

 the Crocus, the colors of which are now of infinite variety; 

 pure white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and violet, are to 

 be found, either separate or blended in pleasing varia- 

 tions. They succeed best planted in a frame, where they 

 can have a slight protection during winter. They suc- 

 ceed well also grown in pots in a cool green-house. The 

 bulbs should be potted in September, and kept under a 

 bench until they begin to grow, when they should be 



