THE AMARYLLIS. 201 



The Hippeastrums are, with few exceptions, natives of 

 the tropics ; but, owing to the different elevations at which 

 they are found, some are greenhouse and others stove plants. 

 In their native habitats they are inured to a period of almost 

 continual wet, and undergo a corresponding period of dry- 

 ness. The heat is most intense when the plants are ripen- 

 ing their bulbs, or at rest ; and least when making their 

 growth, or developing. In cultivation, they require abun- 

 dant moisture and nourishment when growing ; but, after the 

 foliage has attained to full size, they require no more water 

 than just sufficient to keep the leaves from flagging. Per- 

 fect drainage must be secured. The soil should be strong 

 yellow loam and sand. Leaf-mould and other vegetable 

 matter is to be avoided. Too much heat, when growing, is 

 injurious, as it creates drawn foliage, and injures the bulbs. 

 They require as much if not more heat when at rest than 

 when growing ; and, though this may seem the reverse of good 

 management, it is only what they receive in their native 

 habitats. The roots remain on the bulbs throughout the 

 year : taking them out of the pots when at rest, therefore, 

 robs the bulbs of that which Nature has supplied to collect 

 food for the support of the flower-scape. 



The practice of taking the bulbs out of the pots, and stor- 



