46 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-BOOTED PLANTS. 



the majority of bulbs, it delights in a rich sandy loam. 

 In such positions it flowers freely and increases rapidly 

 by division. When in favorable positions the bulbs will 

 increase so rapidly that they should be separated and 

 replanted every second or third year. The flowers are 

 crocus-like, of a purple-violet color, with white spots, 

 usually two or three from a bulb. There is a desirable 

 variety, with purple flowers striped with white. 



B. versicolor. Flowers in August, but is rarely 

 seen. In general character and habit it resembles the 

 spring-flowering species, which is the more highly 

 esteemed because it is a spring flower. None of the 

 crocus tribe would be extensively cultivated but for the 

 fact of their being about the first to welcome spring. 



BUTTEKFLY WEED. 



See Asclepias tuber osa, Page 33. 

 CALADIUM. 



The Caladium has but few rivals in the list of orna- 

 mental leaved plants, if taken at the height of its beauty, 

 which is in midsummer. In point of general usefulness 

 it does not rank very high, as it is only adapted for the 

 greenhouse. The delicate texture of its leaves will not 

 permit of other than the most careful handling, and 

 they must have the humid atmosphere which the green- 

 house alone affords. High temperature, great moisture, 

 without direct sunshine, and protection from cold drafts, 

 are the conditions favorable to its perfect development. 

 The genus is found in the tropical swamps of Brazil, 

 growing in soil as rich as decayed vegetation, aided by 

 tropical suns, can make it. While the roots cannot 

 have too much moisture, nothing is more fatal to the 

 foliage than water. Like most tropical plants, it desires 

 alternate seasons, or periods, of active growth and abso- 

 lute rest. The Caladium is not a difficult subject to 

 grow to perfection, when liberally treated. But it will 



