GARDENING IN HEAVY SOILS 33 



place where the soil is impregnated with lime. The 

 magnificent Lilium Szovitzianum is also said to grow 

 well in clay, but it, like L. Chalcedonicum, needs to 

 be thoroughly protected from stagnant moisture. 1 

 Among the Narcissi some do much better in clay than 

 others. Speaking generally, the pheasant-eye Nar- 

 cissus (H. poeticus) and those hybrids which are 

 nearest to it do better in a stiff soil than the Trumpet 

 Daffodils. For these latter the soil should be pre- 

 pared with grit and humus. The double form of 

 Narcissus poeticus thrives better in a clay soil than 

 in any other. It is commonly supposed that all roses 

 do best in a clay soil, but this is not the case. Nothing 

 suits most roses so well as a rich loam; and many 

 of the more delicate teas and Chinas are apt to die 

 off in a stiff clay unless it is very carefully prepared. 

 Of all roses hybrid perpetuals do best in a clay soil, 

 and of these the hardier and more vigorous should 

 be chosen. It is certainly true, however, that clay 

 is better suited to roses than to most plants; but 

 the common idea that any rose will thrive in a clay 

 soil, if planted anyhow, often leads to disappointment. 

 The more rich and porous the soil is made the better, 

 and this applies, not only to roses, but to all kinds of 

 shrubs. Indeed, it is useless to attempt to grow any 

 except the most robust and long-suffering shrubs in 



1 Some gardeners recommend planting Lilies on the sides instead of up- 

 right, in order to drain the water from their crowns. This is a practical 

 method but in any case the lily should be set on a bed of silver sand for 

 drainage. L. Y. K. 



