PHYCELLA, HABRAXTHUS, AXD ISMENE. 161 

 PHYCELLA. 



This genus is found indigenous in a strong sandy soil, upon a dry rocky 

 substratum ; they flourish best, therefore, in a soil of the same descrip- 

 tion, and by having the pots in which they grow well di ained. Peaty soil 

 appears to be very inimical to them, and Herbert attributes to the 

 attempts to grow them in that soil, and to the generally received opinion 

 that the genus is difficult to cultivate, the circumstance of then* being 

 seldom found in perfection. They will flower well if planted in a 

 warm border in the open air, but are apt to vegetate during winter, should 

 it be at all mild, and therefore are very liable to be injured by frosts that 

 may ensue, as it is thek habit to flower after the foliage has attained its full 

 size, and before they go into a state of rest. Theu- season of rest (during 

 which period they should be kept perfectly dry) continues from the time 

 the fohage begins to wither, which usually occurs in August, till the bulbs 

 begin to send out young fibres, indications of returning vegetation usually 

 observed about February, but which will be readily discovered, as the bulbs 

 should be kept in sand, in a box or drawer. A period of about six months 

 should be allowed for them to rest. 



HABRANTHUS. 



This genus flowers before the production of its leaves, which begin to 

 develope themselves in autumn, and continue to grow through the winter. 

 Great care ought to be taken that they sustain no check dming their 

 growth ; for, as it has been already obsers^ed, upon the fuU maturation of 

 the fohage of the bulbs chiefly depends the production of flowers. From 

 this circumstance it will appear, that the genus is not well adapted to the 

 open border cultm'e, so well suited to many other genera of Bulbous- 

 rooted plants. 



WTien cultivated in a border," says Mr. Herbert, they should be 

 covered with a glass frame, to keep them hot and dr\', in May, June, and 

 July, and any covering of mats or straw, that will prevent injury from 

 severe frost, may be sufficient for winter ; or they may be taken up when 

 the leaves decay, without breaking the fibres, kept in sand, and re-set 

 three months after." 



ISMENE. 



The whole of this beautiful genus require absolute rest dming winter, 

 and dehght in a light sandy soil, at least to have fine white sand placed 



M 



