294 Observations on three species of Lilitim. 



the characteristic distinctions between this and its co-species, L. 

 canadense, which also is growing in my garden, close by. 



Lilium canadense has passed its inflorescence before the first 

 flower of L. superbum expanded; the difference of a fortnight 

 in precocity in favor of the former. Leaves of L. canadense 

 are in whorls of twelve, evidently and beautifully ciliated on the 

 midrib and on each nerve. The base of each leaf is broader in 

 L. canadense. The color of the foliage is of a lighter green. 

 The flower is smaller, and the spots in the throat of the perianth 

 confused and more numerous. 



Milium superbum has whorls of leaves in number from six to 

 sixteen, as observable in younger or older plants. Sometimes, 

 by the rapid elongation of its axis, these whorls assume a spiral 

 form, one whorl meeting the next superior. No ciliation was 

 observable on the nerves, as in L. canadense. The base of the 

 leaves of L. superbum are strikingly narrow in comparison with 

 L. canadense. The flowers of L. superbum are conspicuously 

 large, of a fine orange-red on the laminae, and pale yellow on the 

 fauces of the perianth, with distinct spots of black surrounded 

 by an areola, when occurring on the orange color, each petal 

 very much recurved and involute on its edge, stamens exserted, 

 connectivum very delicate, stigma three-cleft, whorl of flowers 

 irregular. 



To the admirers of the Liliaceas, this latter species must pre- 

 sent many and attractive charms. Easy of culture, its exceed- 

 ing beauty and grace recommend it a place in every flower-bor- 

 der. I never have had the good fortune to meet with it in its 

 native habitat; but though thus rare in the eastern portion of the 

 state, it is not uncommon elsewhere. It is to be w^ished that 

 our floral friends engaged in the vending of plants might intro- 

 duce it into culture, that, by offering for sale so choice a pro- 

 duction of our native flora, it could be wider known and more 

 highly appreciated. Several of our botanists seem inclined to 

 reduce to one species the L. canadense and L. superbum; but 

 from examination under culture, Linnaeus seems to be correct in 

 considering them distinct. 



My plants of L. superbum, (and I suspect them by no means 

 full grown,) are over six feet in height, with sixteen flowers on 

 each whorl. J. L. R. 



We hope Mr. Russell's hint to our nurserymen and florists, 

 to possess themselves of these beautiful species of Z/ilium, will 

 not pass unheeded. We have often wondered that both the 

 L. superbum and canadense were not oftener seen in our gar- 

 dens. But it undoubtedly arises from the fact, that they are not 

 "far-fetched and dear bought." If they were exotics, they would 

 be seen in the flower border as frequently as the common and 

 showy L. tigrynum. — Ed. 



