1898.] ESSAYS. 123 



twenty iiovvcrs are out at one time on a single plant. Of course 

 this means perfection in culture. Cleanliness is essential to 

 secure success, and all flowers, as soon as they fade, as well as 

 any yellow leaves, should be removed. The flowers close up 

 and do not look very unlike the new buds. After you have had 

 a little experience, however, you will easily detect the diflcr- 

 ence. In the fall, the hardy lilies should receive a natural 

 method of covering, — either a supply of water which should be 

 about eighteen inches deep, so that when ice forms they will not 

 be likely to freeze ; or if in an artificial pond, and it is desirable 

 to draw oflf the water, they should be covered with leaves to an 

 equal or greater depth. It has, however, been proven that some 

 varieties will stand being frozen solid, and not be injured in the 

 least. The hardy varieties can be planted in May, when we see 

 the natural ones making their appearance. 



Among the hardy varieties are the Nymph^a Alba Candidis- 

 sima, Nymphfea Marliacica Chromatella, Nymphsea Marliaca^a 

 Rosea. It is doubtful if a better trio could be named for ama- 

 teur or professional culture than these three. They are strong 

 growing, free flowering, large and beautiful. No finer variety 

 can head the list than Nymphtea Alba Candidissima, which is 

 now acknowledged to be the best hard}' white. It has pure 

 white, large flowers, and blooms from June until frost. Next 

 to this is the Nymphtea Marliactea Chromatella, having flowers 

 of a canary yellow color with stamens of deep yellow. The 

 leaves are bronzy green with chocolate red markings. It is 

 similar to the preceding in habit. The Nymphtva Marliaca^a 

 Rosea is a vigorous grower. It has a deep rose-colored flower 

 with free blooming qualities. 



Additions in the new hardy varieties of lilies by the enthusi- 

 astic hybridizer are of annual occurrence and show an ever 

 increasing imi)rovemcnt in the shape, size and color of the 

 flowers, which bid fair to equal even the choicest products of 

 the tropics. 



In the tender class of lilies are the day-blooming species, 

 whose flowers open early in the morning and close about the 

 middle of the afternoon, and the night-blooming species, whose 



