86 



DIELYTRA. 



DIELYTRA. 



The word Dielytra from dis, double, and elytron, 

 a sheath, alludes to the sheath-like spurs at the 

 base of the flower. The plant is a native of North 

 America and Northern Asia. Of the varieties one 

 is known as Squirrel Corn, another as Dutchman's 

 Breeches ; the best variety is D. Spectabilis, from 

 China, sometimes called Bleeding Heart, from the 

 form and color of the flowers. These are borne in 

 graceful drooping racemes a foot or more in length. 

 The plant is perfectly hardy and valuable alike for 

 the garden, conservatory or window. 



SOIL, TEMPERATURE AND GENERAL TREATMENT. 



The Dielytra thrives best in a light sandy loam, 

 It requires a temperature of about 6o° and a 



moderate supply of water. 



It is propagated by division of the roots or by 



seeds. 



The Dielytra should be taken up in October and 

 set in a sheltered place for a month, giving a little 

 water daily. When the young shoots appear place 

 the plant in the sunny windows of a cool room, and 

 as it grows increase the supply of water. When 

 through flowering remove to a shady place and 

 withhold water Gradually till the leaves turn yel- 

 low, when it should be allowed to rest and moist- 

 ened only enough to keep it alive. The following 

 autumn supply it with fresh soil and proceed as 

 above. The roots should be divided yearly or be 

 given more room for growth. 



