NAT. ORDER. AMARYLLIDACEjE. 25 
but has now become naturalized in Madeira, and almost so in 
Portugal and Italy. It is so hardy in the English gardens, that it 
may not only be grown in the open air, but it does not require ta- 
king up in winter. Two things, however, we are informed, are 
necessary to its flowering, viz.: "a strong growth of the leaves, and 
absolute rest from midsummer till the period of flowering in Sep- 
tember. If the leaves sprout early, and are so much damaged by 
severe frosts, that a vigorous growth does not ensue in spring ; or 
if they have not moisture in September to promote the blossom- 
ing, it will fail, and in the latter case the abortive flower-buds will 
be thrown out of the ground when the leaves sprout afterwards." 
On this account it is recommended putting a hand-glass or some 
other covering over the bulbs, so as to keep off the rain in a wet 
summer. There are also two other varieties cultivated in gar- 
dens, the Amaryllis pallida, which is paler than the species here 
represented, and the Amaryllis latifolia, which has broader leaves. 
The bulbs of all the varieties are very large, and should be plant 
ed in July and August, in a very richly manured, loamy soil, in 
front of a south wall, where they will flower abundantly. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The medical qualities of this 
plant, together with all its varieties, are that of a poisonous char- 
acter, and consequently is but little used in medicine. The best 
mode of obtaining its virtues is by procuring an extract, after the 
following manner. Take of the leaves and flowers any quantity, 
press them into a vessel, and add sufficient alcohol to cover them: let 
this stand for fourteen days ; then press out the liquor, and filter ; 
after which place the tincture so filtered in tin or earthen pans, 
and expose to the sun for evaporation : after it is reduced to the 
consistency of an extract, it should be gathered, and placed in 
earthen pots, tightly covered, when it will keep good for any length 
of time. Given in moderate doses, its effects are similar to tnose 
of Belladonna. 
