TRUE MARIPOSA OR BUTTERFLY TULIPS 
(CALOCHORTUS VENUSTUS) 
In this group of bulbous plants there is an elegance of form, with a 
wonderful beauty of coloring, which justilies the enthusiastic praise that they 
have received wherever known. Their exquisitely modeled flowers are 
erect and cup-shaped like their cousins of Europe and Asia, but are smaller 
and more graceful. The branches are slender and often many-flowered, 
slender and erect. The brilliantly-colored flowers have eye-like spots on 
each petal and sepal, and other delicate markings with dots, lines and hairs. 
Only the orchid excels them in varied beauty. It is not to be wondered that 
the Spanish called them "Butterflies," for which their musical word is 
Mariposa, for no flower could more perfectly imitate the markings on a 
butterfly's wings. The bulbs are small and can be mailed dry to all parts 
of the world. 
Venustus, var. Roseus. The petals are broad, creamy-white suffused 
with ])ale lilac. A rose colored blotch is at the apex of the petal, a richly 
marked e\e in the middle, while the base is hair\- and beautifully tinted. 
The back of the petal is also richly colored with carmine. A most lovely 
species. 5c each; 40c per dozen. 
Var. Purpurascens. In this the flowers may be three inches in diameter, 
creamy white inside for half way, but with purplish center and purple out- 
side. They have no rose-colored blotch, but lia\e the usual eye. It is a 
strong grower, native to heavy soils, and is one of the best of all Calo- 
chorti. Colored plate in "Garden" (London), 1895. Sc each; 40c per doz. 
THE EL DORADO STRAIN 
The plants are vigorous in growth, and from 1 to 3 feet high and (|uite 
floriferous. The flowers are large and the petals have a satiny luster which 
is most captivating. The variety of colors is remarkable, and not exceeded 
in any flower even under the hybridizer's care. From white they are found 
in all shades of lilac to deep purple, in all shades of reddish purple, pink, 
and salmons, and in rich deep reds. The markings are so numerous and 
variable as to be indescribable. Some few have a golden or red blotch 
rear the apex of the petal, all have a rich eye variously marked, and all 
are beautifully marked and penciled about the base. They all grow together 
and the mixed bulbs as offered give endless surprises. There is no better 
investment for the flower-lover than a hundred or more. In addition to 
general cultural directions, I would say that this strain especially likes 
some shade and a very porous soil. Avoid heavy soils. 
My Superb Mixed Bulbs. 3c each; 25c per dozen; $2.00 per 100. 
OCULATUS STRAIN OF C. VENUSTUS 
Venustus, var. Oculatus. These are among the very best Calochorti. 
Sturdy stalks bear flowers sometimes four inches across. In color they 
vary from white and cream through lilac to purple. The eye is large and 
richly zoned, the pencilings about the base are very delicate, and the 
flowers very attractive. 3c each; 25c per dozen; $2.00 per 100. 
Var. Citrinus. This superb variety is like the last, but lemon-yellow, 
with almost black eye. In England this is considered the fmest of all Calo- 
chorti. It is the largest seller of all with me. 
3c each; 25c i)er dozen; $2.00 per 100. 
Var Vesta. This may be considered a variety of C. venustus, but T think 
it distinct. It is a species of my own, found in heavy clay soils, which 
nearly all of the other species are so impatient of. As a grower, it is the 
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