66 THE BOOK OF THE LILY 



and, therefore, should if possible be purchased before 

 January is past. 



The same remarks apply to the different North 

 American kinds. 



The best Bermuda grown bulbs of L. longiflorum 

 Harrisi can be obtained in July and August, and should 

 be potted or planted out at once. 



The common White Lily, L. candidum, is an exception 

 to other Lilies in regard to its planting season. Being 

 almost an evergreen, it must be planted during the short 

 interval the bulbs are without leaves, and this is from 

 the middle of July till the middle of August. The 

 mistake often made in planting this Lily in autumn or 

 spring usually results in failure. 



HOW TO KEEP BULBS BEFORE PLANTING. 



Even in the case of the hardy Lilies it may not be 

 convenient to plant them as soon as received, and in cold 

 heavy soils it is an advantage to delay the planting till 

 the severest part of the winter is past. In order to 

 keep the bulbs in as good a condition as possible the 

 best way is to place them separately on a level bed out 

 of doors and cover them with about six inches of cocoa- 

 nut refuse, and a layer beneath them. This is one of 

 the best of coverings for bulbs as it keeps moist, and 

 protects the bulb from injury by frosts. When, how- 

 ever, it is kept dry under cover it is one of the worst 

 coverings, as it absorbs the moisture from the bulbs to 

 such an extent that they suffer more than if laid simply 

 on dry shelves. 



Where it is desired to keep Japanese Lilies in good 

 condition for planting in early spring, the best way is to 

 store them in some shed or similar place, the bulbs 

 being laid in fine soil or sand, kept slightly moist. In 

 this way they retain their natural plumpness without any 

 tendency to start early into growth. 



