142 THE OXALIS. 



had in flower at any season by forcing, and some few 

 species naturally bloom in summer or early autumn. 



In potting these bulbs, and starting them into growth, 

 one of the primary rules of bulb-culture must be observed ; 

 that is, when the base of the bulb swells, or young roots 

 begin to protrude, the bulb should be potted and watered. 

 With a family so large as the oxalis, it is impossible to 

 prescribe any general rule for potting ; though most of the 

 species cultivated in our greenhouses require only the ordi- 

 nary treatment of Cape bulbs, and, with the other subjects 

 of this chapter, ixias, babianas, tritonias, and other 

 Cape bulbs of like nature, need only to be potted in Octo- 

 ber, in rich, light, sandy loam, in well-drained pots. After 

 potting, the bulbs should have a gentle watering, and be kept 

 in a cool, shady, airy place until they begin to grow : they 

 should then be removed to a light, airy shelf, and be grown 

 near the glass all winter, in full sunshine, to perfect a short, 

 sturdy growth. Water should be freely supplied with the 

 syringe to destroy red spider, with whom many of these 

 plants are especial favorites. As soon as the flower-stem 

 appears, a few waterings of weak liquid manure will be 

 found beneficial. 



When the blossoms begin to expand, the pots may be 



