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case is somewhat different. Here the Amaryllis, Sparaxis, 
Ixia, and other lovely families, maybe had in l)lossom at a 
period identical with their native clime. 
We have now, therefore, merely to offer advice to the un- 
initiated on wintering them ; either for borders or for the spring 
decoration of the plant house; and also as a relief to the over- 
bui deued stages and shelves of such structures. Most of these 
bulbs are adapted to withstand intense dryness in the soil, for 
many weeks together ; and dry soil suitable for use in the pro- 
tectors, being a bad conductor of frost, constitutes a favourable 
feature in the employment of structures, from which it is not pos- 
sible to keep out frost at all times. 
In the opaque protectors, and plunged in dry saw-dust, ashes, 
tan, or even soil. Cape bulbs, in pots of light compost, will be 
found to keep remarkably well ; and if a small bottom heat, of 
tan or otherwise, should happen to be provided, so much the 
better. In the latter case, they would spring into activity at 
an earlier period ; and where there is a plant-house, requiring 
early decoration, this would be a good course to pursue, as 
they might be removed in succession, according to the state of 
their growth, to the greenhouse shelf. 
The pots, during the winter, should be covered with some- 
thing to preserve the crowns of the bulbs ; and perhaps nothing 
is better than the dust of charcoal. Ordinary chaff, too, would 
be excellent; and either of these should be applied six inches 
thick, in the middle of November. Clean dry straw would 
answer well, or even hay, but great care must be taken that wet 
does not penetrate through the covering. In very severe 
weather the protector may be covered with mats, well fastened 
to the side of the frame, incasing a layer of litter ; and thus 
they may be closed down for several weeks, without fear of 
injury. 
Some caution is requisite in applying water to these tribes 
when they awaken with the returning spring. A very little 
must be given at first, and indeed, until they are perfectly safe 
from frost, they should not receive any. Most of them will 
commence growing freely with returning warmth, in their dry 
soil, especially those possessing solid and substantial bulbs. 
Many of the smaller bulbs, such as the Ixias, Sparaxis, &c., 
succeed better if disengaged from the old soil before they com- 
