176 THE ORNITHOGALUM. 



THE ORNITHOGALUM. 



A family of very pretty bulbs, containing about a 

 dozen hardy and some fifty tender species, all familiarly 

 known as " star of Bethlehem." The prevailing color 

 of the flowers is white ; but many are marked with 

 green, and some are yellow. The hardy species require 

 the same treatment as a tulip, but may be left in the 

 border for years undisturbed. They will then flower 

 regularly every year, and increase largely by offsets. 



The tender species require the usual treatment of Cape 

 bulbs ; and, in the greenhouse, flower from May to July. 

 These plants are natives of Europe, Africa, and America ; 

 but a large proportion come from the Cape of Good 

 Hope. Among hardy species we may mention 



0. umbellatum. This pretty species is very common in 

 gardens. The flowers are silvery- white, green outside, and 

 open only in sunshine. They are produced in great abun- 

 dance, and have a very pleasing effect. The species multi- 

 plies rapidly by offsets, and, having escaped from gardens, 

 seems disposed to become naturalized. 



0. finibriatum. A species with bluish- white flowers, 

 blooming in early spring. A native of the Crimea. 



