150 



THE BULB HOUSE. 



OXALIS. 



This very interesting genus is equally hardy with the last, and will succeed 

 as well in the greenhouse, plant pit, or out of doors in a favourable situa- 

 tion. They are rapidly increased by offset bulbs ; and for this reason 

 should be taken out of the mould every season when the foUage has died 

 down, for the purpose of being separated ; for if the smaller roots be jiot 

 removed from the full-grovm ones, the latter will not flower freely. 



This genus flowers, when kept in the house, at an early period of the 

 year, and is therefore a very fitting inhabitant of the bulb house, where 

 they should occupy, with Ixia and other low-growing kinds, the front plat- 

 forms, so that they may be near the light, exposed to the sun, and at the 

 same time near the eye of the observer. They dehght in a light, rich soil. 



LACHENALIA. 



This genus is very often, although improperly, placed in a stove tempe- 

 rature. It succeeds better in a more moderate heat, and indeed ^^411 

 flower well in a close pit or warm frame. It increases by offset bulbs 

 freely, delights in a Hght, rich soil, and should remain all the year in the 

 pots ; but these should be kept perfectly dry during the dormant season, 

 that is, from the time the leaves begin to fade, until they begin to appear 

 again in spring. 



MASSONIA. 



This is rather a delicate Cape genus. They should be planted in small 

 pots, in light, turfy soil, not over rich, and placed upon a dry, airy 

 shelf, near to the glass. They do not, at any period of their growth, re- 

 quire much water; but during their dormant period should be kept 

 quite dry. 



MOR^A. 



This is a genus not much cultivated : however, it deserves the attention 

 of the flower gardener as a greenhouse plant. Its culture is similar to the 

 last, only it is by no means so tender, nor so impatient of water. 



