THE FRITTELARIA. 171 



frittelaria, we have thought best to describe it under that 

 family. 



All the frittelarias do best in a deep, rich soil, and 

 are much benefited by top-dressings of well-rotted manure. 

 All the crown imperials are hardy, requiring no protec- 

 tion in winter : in summer they do not like a soil which 

 becomes very dry, as the bulbs suffer from drought. Many 

 of the smaller species of frittelaria, especially those with 

 white flowers, are less hardy, and in New England require 

 winter protection. Like the crown imperial, they are im- 

 patient of drought ; and none should be long kept out of 

 the 'ground when transplanted. All the species propagate 

 freely by offsets, and most ripen seed freely, which should 

 be sown and treated like other seedling bulbs. Seedlings 

 bloom the third year. '. '' 



All the species may remain in the ground undis- 

 turbed for years, where they soon form large masses, 

 and are very effective. 



All bloom in May, and contrast well with tulips and 

 the ^later hyacinths. 



F. (PetiliuTn) imperialis. This species is a native of 

 Persia, but has been an inmate of the garden since 

 1596. The bulbs are large, and have a rank, un- 



