CAPE BULBS. 
127 
soil should then be laid gently and evenly on, taking care not 
to disturb the roots, and the whole should be finished by raking 
the bed smoothly over. They require to be kept constantly free 
from weeds, and a liberal supply of water just previous to bloom¬ 
ing. If the weather happens to be very dry, a slight covering 
of half-decayed leaves or other mulch will be found service¬ 
able, though it must be observed the roots require the full force 
of the autumn sun to ripen them thoroughly. In this bed they 
may remain three years, or even longer if not too thick, cover¬ 
ing them about a foot thick with leaves on the approach of win¬ 
ter. Some cultivators take their roots up every autumn, but 
this is not necessary, unless to separate or remove them; when 
this is done a fine clear day should be chosen soon after the 
foliage becomes dry; they should be thoroughly cleaned from 
the mould, and exposed to the sun for about two or three hours 
to dry, after which I spread them on dry airy shelves in the shade 
till well dried, they may then be kept in boxes or drawers till 
wanted for planting. When grown in pots they make very beau¬ 
tiful subjects for the drawing-room or halls, though they are 
more difficult to bloom than when in beds. 
The pots should be suited to the size of the plant; for the large 
kinds small 32s will be found large enough ; and for the smaller 
sorts, as Ixias, &c. large 48s will do. The soil should be similar 
to that recommended for beds, with a similar drainage : the roots 
should be potted early in March; three roots of the smaller 
sorts, as sparaxis, triconema, &c., may be placed in each pot, 
but the strong growing species will each require a separate pot. 
In potting, the crown of the bulb should be kept a little above 
or at least on a level with the surface of the soil. After potting 
they may be plunged in old tan or leaves in the open air, cover¬ 
ing them about three or four inches; or if wanted for forcing they 
should be placed in a cold frame as soon as potted, covering the 
glass with mats to protect them from frost. They may be con¬ 
tinued here till about half grown, and then placed in the green¬ 
house ; by this treatment they bloom a fortnight earlier than 
those in beds. These roots are very impatient of heat, therefore 
it should never be attempted to force them very early. It is best 
to change the roots intended for pot culture every season, plant¬ 
ing out those which have been grown in pots, and selecting the 
