HINTS ON HANDSOME FLOWERS, 
9 
There are of this genus nearly forty species, chiefly natives of 
the hotter parts of the isles and continents of America and Africa, 
One only is a native of Siberia; and one is found wild in North 
America, namely, the A. formosissima, which, from the deep red 
colour of its ample flowers, is one of the most conspicuous of the 
whole genus. 
Between the species striatifolia, intermedia , regince , vittata , 
Forbesia, rutila, fulgida, pulverulenta , tortulosa, and others, nume¬ 
rous hybrids have been raised from seeds by cross impregnation ; 
and it really requires the keen eye of an experienced botanist to 
detect the species from the varieties, when many are in flower at 
the same time ; for many of the hybrids excel the species in beauty, 
and are no less valuable as ornamental plants, 
A good deal of practical tact is necessary in the culture of the 
Amaryllis, in order to cause them to flower frequently and well. 
The late Mr. Sweet, F.L.S., studied this tribe, and originated 
more hybrids than any other botanist in Europe. He also ex¬ 
celled in the management of them, and found that a majority ol 
them require to be turned out of their pots ot soil in the autumn, 
and laid on a dry shelf, in a warm place, till they show their flower- 
buds, when they must be immediately potted, and set in the place 
where they are intended to flower—that is, on the curb of a pit, 
or other platform, in the hothouse. In summer, they are flowered 
in frames, or in the green-house. The two species, A. reticula 
and A. striatifolia , do not require turning out of the pots, nor do 
the hybrids belonging to them ; so neither should A. aulica , 
A. calgptrata, nor A. solandr re flora, be turned out, but only occa¬ 
sionally shifted. 
The best soil for the generality of the Amaryllis family, Is a 
mixture of light sandy loam, to which is added a fourth of white 
sand and turfy peat. The compost should not be sifted, as the 
plants do not thrive if the earth becomes close, which sifted soil 
is apt to do when frequently watered. The drainage by broken 
crocks, or rough gravel, ought to be carefully put in the bottom 
of each pot, lest the hoie in the centre should get stopped, so as 
to prevent the escape of water. 
The seeds of these bulbs should be sown as soon as ripe ; and 
when the seedlings are a few inches high, they should be potted 
singly into small pots, or several together in larger ones. It then 
placed in a frame, on a little heat, they will progress rapidly ; 
VOL. I. NO. 1, 
C 
