106 NAT. ORDER. — LILIACE^. 



There is a variety which has a much shorter stem and smaller 

 leaves ; the stem branches out at the top into several small pedun- 

 cles, each sustaining one dark-colored flower. It is called Dwarf 

 Persian Lily. 



Propagation and Cullure. The common mode of propagation in 

 all these plants is by off-sets from the sides of their roots, separated 

 every second or third year ; and the proper time for this business is 

 when their flower-stalks decay, taking the whole root up entirely, 

 and separating them into distinct roots, then planting the smaller off- 

 sets by themselves in nursery-beds, to remain a year or two to 

 acquire a flowering state ; and the larger roots, where they are (o 

 remain for flowering. 



They are all, likewise, capable of being propagated by seed ; but 

 this is principally practiced for new varieties, and the process is 

 tedious ; the Fritillary and the Persian Lily being three years, and 

 tlie Crown Imperial sometimes six or seven before they flower in 

 perfection. The seeds may be sown in the beginning of autumn in 

 large wide pots, or in boxes of similar width, fdled with light mellow 

 earth, each sort separate, covering them carefully with fine earth, 

 about half an inch deep, placing the pots in such a situation as to 

 have only the morning sun all summer, or especially during the hot, 

 dry weather, and in the full sun in winter and spring ; the plants 

 will appear in the spring, which, after the first or second year's 

 growth, when the leaves decay in summer, may be taken up, and 

 the whole planted immediately in nursery-beds, m shallow drills, 

 four inches apart, to remain till they flower. 



Medical Properties and Uses. These plants are mostly valued for 

 their flowers and the bulbs of the roots. They are roasted and eaten 

 in Kamtschatka, where it is as commonly cultivated as the potatoe 

 is with us. The roots of the FritiUaria Imperialis, are employed in 

 stranguary and fevers, in many countries, and is valued for that pur- 

 pose. This plant emits a most powerful scent in the evening imme- 

 diately after sunset. 



