62 BKECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



fegtion. After the flowering of the Lily, in August, the foliage 

 of many species decays ; the bulbs then are in the most perfect 

 state for transplanting. If they are permitted to remain long 

 after this, and the foliage begins to start again, they will not 

 bloom so strong the next year. The Lily should not be moved 

 any oftener than is necessary. It is not like the Tulip and 

 many other bulbs, which are not injured, but rather improved, 

 by taking them up annually after flowering. The Lily will 

 do well in any well prepared border or bed. To have them in 

 perfection, the soil should be excavated eighteen inches deep, 

 and filled with a compost of peat, or swamp muck, undecayed 

 manure, or leaf mould, a foot deep ; the remaining six inches 

 may be peat and rich mould. The bulbs of strong-growing 

 Lilies may be planted from four to five inches deep ; and 

 weaker sorts from three to four inches. In the borders, three 

 bulbs, of the stronger-growing varieties, are enough for one 

 group, or five, of the weaker sorts. They have a pleasing 

 effect when planted in masses ; or they may be planted in 

 beds. Most of the species are quite hardy ; but they will all 

 be benefited, and bloom more strongly, provided they receive a 

 covering of rotten manure before winter sets in. 



Lilium candidum. The Old White Lily. This species has 

 always been considered the emblem of w r hiteness, and is too 

 well known to require any description. A mass of White Lilies 

 is always beheld with admiration, and they perfume the air 

 with their delicious fragrance. The White Lily is, therefore, 

 indispensable, and should be found in every garden. It some- 

 times attains the height of three or four feet, and is in flower 

 about the first of July. 



Lilium candidum flore pleno. The Double White Lily. 

 A variety of the double white ; it is curious, but not beautiful. 

 The inflorescence appears to be a continuation of the foliage, 

 which, as it terminates the stem, gradually assumes the char- 

 acter of petals, with the whiteness of the simple flower. It is 

 a monster, and for that reason may be fancied by some. 



Lilium candidum flore variegata. The Variegated White 



