OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 25 



lumpy peat and loam, but I have found charcoal, in very small 

 lumps, to improve it, as it does most plants grown in pots, espe- 

 cially such as require frequent supplies of water. The slugs are 

 very fond of it ; a look-out for them should be kept when the 

 plants are growing, and frequent sprinklings of sharp ashes will 

 be found useful. 

 Flowering period, April and May. 



Anthericum Liliago. 



ST. BERNARD'S LILY; Nat. Ord. LILIACEJE. 



THIS may be grown as a companion to St. Bruno's Lily, though 

 not so neat in habit or rich in bloom. In all respects it is very 

 different. It is taller, the flowers not half the size, and more 

 star-shaped, foliage more grassy, and the roots creeping and 

 jointed. 



All the Anthericums named by me will do in ordinary soil, but 

 prefer a fat loam of considerable depth. If, therefore, such 

 conditions do not exist, there should be a good dressing of well- 

 rotted stable manure turned in, and a mulching given in early 

 spring. 



Anthericums are propagated by division of the roots, which 

 should be carefully performed during the autumn. After such 

 mutilation they should not be disturbed again for three years, or 

 they will deteriorate in vigour and beauty. 



Flowering period, June and July. 



Anthericum Liliastrum. 

 ST. BRUNO'S LILY; Nat. Ord. LILIACE^E. 



THIS charming plant is a native of Alpine meadows, and is 

 known by other names, as Paradisia and Cyackia, but is more 

 commonly called St. Bruno's Lily. It is emphatically one of the 

 most useful and handsome flowers that can be grown in English 

 gardens, where, as yet, it is anything but as plentiful as it ought 

 to be. Not only is it perfectly hardy in our climate, but it 

 seems to thrive and flower abundantly. It is fast becoming a 

 favourite, and it is probable that before long it will be very 

 common, from the facts, firstly, of its own value and beauty, 

 and, secondly, because the Dutch bulb-growers have taken it in 

 hand. Not long ago they were said to be buying stock where- 

 ever they could find it. The illustration (Fig. 13) shows it in a 

 small-sized clump. Three or four such specimens are very effective 

 when grown near together ; the satin-like or shining pure white 

 flowers show to greater advantage when there is plenty of 

 foliage. A number planted in strong single roots, but near 

 together, forming a clump several feet in diameter, represent also 

 a good style ; but a single massive specimen, with at least fifty 



