Thirteen species. Green-house bulbous perennials. Offsets. Rich mould.

The bulbs, while dormant, which is during winter, are kept in a cool greenhouse, in as dry and airy a place as possible, until they begin to show leaves; then to be potted in three parts good turfy loam, one part leaf-mould and a little silver sand, and placed so that they have the full benefit of the light.

When the leaves have grown to about twelve inches in length, plunge in a strong bottom heat, and allow to remain till the flower-stem pushes clear of the leaves, which will be in about four or five weeks. They must then be gradually hardened off and returned to the green-house, there to expand their blossoms, which consist of a number of from twenty to thirty flowers.

After flowering, every care must be taken of the foliage, by exposing it to the full influence of the sun, and giving plenty of water.

When the plants show an inclination to rest, water must be altogether withheld.