248 
TROP^OLUM AZUREUM. 
and fading to a shade lighter after they have been opened a few days. The spur 
of the calyx is short, blunt, very dark green, and a little spotted. 
Whether the natural period of its flowering can be determined by what has yet 
been witnessed, is a matter of doubt. It seems likely, nevertheless, as many plants 
have bloomed at the same time, that it does blossom in the autumn ; and if so, its 
value will be materially increased. It evidently flowers as abundantly as the 
remarkably fertile T. tricolorum, and will doubtless be as much prized, even after 
rarity has ceased to operate. 
There can be no difiiculty about its management, where that of T. tricolorum 
is understood. As we have long since observed, it is desirable to let a part of the 
tubers be exposed for a year or two, while growing ; since they swell to unusual 
dimensions under such treatment. Afterwards, however, they should be entirely 
covered by the soil, because the stems are rendered stronger by the seclusion of 
the tubers from light. They will flourish best in a small pot, and may be preserved 
from extreme drought by placing their pot within a larger one, and filling up the 
interspace with damp sand or moss. 
Cuttings root tardily, but they will succeed better in a cool, airy greenhouse 
than in a warmer or confined place. 
