J. ANDERSON — VARIETIES OF AMARYLLIS. 



31 



double that number, we could doubtless soon render all the other 

 points of excellence attainable. Again, with reference to V,for- 

 mosissima, which has a striking peculiarity in formation (the lower 

 sepals being gathered together, and the upper petals and dorsal 

 sepal spreading out in the usual way), we have a most brilliant 

 crimson colour, which has no other equal in intensity, not only in 

 the species to which it belongs, but stands unrivalled in the whole 

 floral domain. Need it be said how desirable the introduction of 

 such a splendid hue would be in the other sections which can 

 boast of better formation and free-flowering properties? But, 

 speaking to the point practically, I can say, there seem to be 

 insuperable difficulties in the way ; for, were I to relate all the 

 various experiments I have personally conducted with a view to 

 successful hybridization, I could fill several pages. Poor old 

 Donald Beaton (not the least luminary in practical horticulture, 

 and one of the most successful hybridizers that ever manipulated 

 upon flowers) recorded his failure in this particular ; and I must 

 also record mine. I have raised thousands of seedlings, many of 

 them not yet proved, the results of careful crossing, but they have 

 all come from the three types first spoken of. 



My object in this short notice is to point out the importance of 

 experimenting, and the particular type that it is desirable to breed 

 from in this noble family. Unfortunately, the cultivation of 

 Hippeasters is not so general as it deserves to be, which is so very 

 well attested by the many beautiful sorts now in cultivation. A 

 warm greenhouse temperature is all that is wanted, so that many 

 amateurs in a humble position might have a collection of these for 

 little money. Unlike Dutch bulbs, one does not require to go to 

 market every year. When a collection is once formed, the only 

 thing requisite is to introduce any novelty of first-class character. 

 Their successful cultivation and flowering may be given in few 

 words : — Grow the bulbs in moderate-sized pots, in good loam full 

 of fibre, with so much sand as will render the whole porous. Let 

 the atmosphere during the growing-season be abundantly charged 

 with moisture, especially in the evenings and mornings, so that 

 their succulent leaves may be well provided for ; and at the same 

 time keep under thrips, to which the leaves are very subject. 

 "Withhold water as the bulbs begin to ripen, and let them have 

 abundance of sunlight. Dry them off under the stage, or any- 

 where else where the thermometer never falls below 36°, for from 

 two to four months, and there will be flower-scapes and flowers in 

 abundance. Some other day I will return to the subject. 



