Page:An introduction to physiological and systematical botany (1st edition).djvu/140

 110 of three pairs of tapering knobs or bulbs, which flower in succession. On the contrary, Ophrys monorchis, t. 71, forms its new bulb so late that it is not perfected till the autumn immediately preceding its flowering, and the plant seems to have but one bulb. Ophrys Nidus avis, t. 48, has clusters of cylindrical knobs, which are formed, and also wither away, in parcels, each parcel being equivalent to one of the abovementioned bulbs.

Such of the Orchis tribe as have biennial bulbs are supposed to be very difficult of cultivation, but according to the experience of my excellent friend the late Mr. Crowe, in whose garden I have seen them many successive years, they are best removed when in full flower, the earth being cleared completely away from the roots, which are then to be replanted in their natural soil previously dried and sifted. Afterwards they must be well watered. The bulb for the following year has not at the flowering period begun to throw out its fibres, for after that happens it will not bear removal. Satyrium albidum