326 
THE FLORIST. 
wealthy, where multitudes of plants infinitely less brilliant and pleasing 
in their colours are to be found. Even less seldom do we find them 
exhibited at the rnetropolitan shows ; and further, how few nurserymen 
are to be found who regard them worthy of general cultivation. 
We believe that Messrs. Garaway and Mayes, of the Bristol 
nurseries, are the largest growers of this class of bulbs, Mr. Mayes 
having devoted much time, combined with unceasing perseverance, in 
hybridising and improving the race, the result of which has been an 
immense accession of new and very beautifully distinct varieties. It was 
there, in the year 1835, that the fine old Ackermanni originated ; and 
still more recently one called Ackermanni pulcherrimum, producing scapes 
about 2 feet in height, surmounted with fiowers of an intensity of colour 
almost indescribable, together with many other fine varieties too 
numerous to particularise within the limits of this article. 
Amaryllids, when in flower, are admirably adapted for the decoration 
of conservatories, drawing-rooms, &c., or, in fact, any structure where 
a minimum temperature of 55° Fah. can be maintained, and in such 
situations they will remain in flower for a considerable period, and if 
intermixed or associated with Ferns, or other fine foliaged plants, the 
effect is at once varied and striking, bespeaking them eminently worthy 
of more extended cultivation than they have hitherto received. 
The whole of this interesting genus are bulbous-rooted, producing 
chiefly ensiform leaves, some of which are of a lively green colour, 
whilst other varieties are more or less tinged with brown or amber. 
They are perpetuated by means of offsets, which some varieties readily 
produce around the principal bulb, while others are less inclined to 
subscribe to this kind of multiplication. These offsets should be removed 
previous to the principal one starting into growth, and potted into 60’s 
pots in soil composed of equal portions of sandy loam and leaf soil. A 
pit where a brisk bottom heat is at command, with a proportional top 
heat, will be the proper situation for their cultivation. Keep them dry 
at root until symptoms of growth are shown, at which time they 
will bear a little water at the root and an occasional syringing over 
head. At the expiration of five or six weeks they will have made 
good growth,provided all is well, and will now require a shift into 
well-drained 48’s pots, in soil composed of two-thirds sandy loam and 
one-third leaf soil, keeping them moderately dry until they begin to 
root. The temperature of the pit should average about 60° or 65° by 
night, with an increase of 10° or 15° by sun heat. Give plenty of air, 
keeping the plants as close to the glass as possible. When their season 
of rest arrives, which is indicated by the gradual change of colour in 
the leaf, water should be gradually withheld, at the same tiiiie discon¬ 
tinuing syringing. As the bulbs present evident signs of torpidity, 
remove them to any structure where the atmosphere is comparatively 
dry and warm—a too cold, damp situation being injurious to bulbs. 
We now come to the second season’s management, which in many 
points agrees with that of the first. About the latter end of January 
or beginning of February get the bulbs re-surfaced or top-dressed, 
after which they should be removed to the pit or house assigned for 
their reception. Give plenty of air and little water, with a temperature 
