LILIES. 55 
Song of Solomon was written on the occasion of his 
marriage with an Egyptian princess. 
The great beauty of the com- 
mon White Lily of our gardens, 
would naturally suggest that it 
was the one so often spoken of in 
Scripture ; but as it is not.certain 
that this was a native flower in 
Palestine, it seems more probable 
that the plant often referred to is, 
as Dr. Kitto believes, the Yellow 
Amaryllis, which covers large 
tracts of country in the Holy 
Land, and blooms until so late 
in the year, as to be almost in its White Lily. 
prime when most other plants 
have yielded to the influence of the cold. 
The many-colored Tulip, whose gorgeous tints 
would outshine even the robes of eastern royalty, has 
also been supposed by some to be the subject of our 
Saviour’s allusion when he so beautifully and so ten- 
derly encouraged the drooping faith of his disciples. 
The beauty of the Tulips in the plains of Sharon, as. 
well as at Joppa, has frequently attracted the notice 
of British travellers; and even the gayety and bril- 
liancy of a bed of Tulips in our own gardens, is an 
unfailing source of admiration. 
Another kind of Lily which adorns our green- 
houses and gardens early in the Spring, is the Calla. 
This plant is a native of Africa, and frequents low, 
wet grounds, where its tall leaves and flower-stalks 
