CAPE BULBS. 
125 
tained from seed or cuttings. With respect to originating new 
varieties, the result is not absolutely certain ; but they so strongly 
and naturally incline towards it, that the operation of crossing 
is scarcely required; but if any particular quality is desired, it 
had better be done. In such cases, very good approximations 
are usually obtained. 
The most desirable properties of a geranium are, first, a well¬ 
shaped flower, in which the lower petals bear a due proportion 
to the upper, so that the entire flower may form nearly a circular 
figure. The colours should be well defined and brilliant; the 
truss large and rising above the foliage, which should present a 
vigorous and healthy appearance ; the plant of robust habit, 
and free in the production of flowers. For all these united in 
the same plant, we may safely point to our present illustrations, 
either of which will be found desirable acquisitions to the most 
confined or limited collection. Ed. 
ON CAPE BULBS. 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FLORIST^ JOURNAL. 
Sir —Allow me to offer a few remarks in your valuable 
Journal on that very beautiful family of plants the Cape bulbs; 
they are especial favorites of mine, and as I should imagine of 
every one at all acquainted with their peculiar beauties. 
In the term Cape bulbs, I do not include those from the inte¬ 
rior and more southern parts of Africa, but those from the im¬ 
mediate neighbourhood of the Cape of Good Hope, or such as 
are found to succeed with us in the open air. I select these as, 
from their hardihood, the pleasure attending the growing them 
may be enjoyed by a much greater proportion of the lovers of 
Flora than those of the same family which require the aid of a 
stove or greenhouse to perfect them. At least one general 
remark applies to the cultivation of all those I shall mention— 
which is the strongly marked seasonal character of the growth ; 
this must be strictly attended to : the soil too may be said, with 
only one or two exceptions, to be an uniform one for the whole 
