The Blandfordia constitutes another genus of greenhouse plants which have gone out of fashion and become neglected, and yet there is hardly any more showy plant in cultivation, or one that will better repay the very little care that is required to grow it. We are glad to see, however, that the taste for this kind of plant is again reviving, so that one does occasionally come across a plant or two of it. The Blandfordias are all natives of the Australian continent, and were so named in honour of the Marquis of Blandford. They are all bulbs, and require much about the same kind of treatment as that given to Amaryllis. They shed their leaves in the autumn, and can then be stored away under the greenhouse stage, or other suitable place, for the winter. They are increased by offsets, or can be raised from seed. The soil suitable for growing them consists of loam, peat, and sand in due proportions. The best time to repot them is immediately after they have done flowering, and they should be watered sparingly until they take possession of the fresh soil. Ordinary greenhouse temperature suits them very well, unless when they are beginning to push out fresh growth, when a slight increase of both heat and moisture will be to their advantage.

When in full growth they require a good supply of water; the pots should therefore be well drained, so that the surplus water may easily run off.

There are several varieties of the Blandfordia, but B. Cunninghamii, B. flammea, B. grandiflora, and B. nobilis are about the best among them, yet they are all well worthy of being added to the most choice collection of greenhouse plants. They are grand objects when in flower for the decoration of entrance-halls, staircases, and conservatories; the intense brightness of their flowers, being bright scarlet margined with yellow, enliven and light up any arrangement of plants with which they may be associated. J. G., W.