300 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERING BULBS 



however, be very moderate at first and rise slowly. When the buds 

 show, a top dressing of fresh loam and decayed manure will be 

 helpful, and to allow for this the soil must be two inches from the 

 tops of the pots when the bulbs are first potted. After producing 

 two or three flowering stems it will be wise to place the pots out of 

 doors and give less water, or the bulbs will be exhausted. But they 

 must never be allowed to become quite dry, and after a partial rest of 

 six weeks or two months they may be re-potted in fresh soil and 

 started for another show of bloom. 



We do not recommend the planting of this Lily in open borders 

 during autumn, for growth will commence immediately, and a severe 

 frost will cut it down ; but if planted in spring it succeeds admirably 

 and will produce a long succession of its handsome, trumpet-shaped 

 flowers. For the following winter it can either be protected, or lifted 

 for storing in a frame. 



LTLIUM LANCIFOLIUM. This graceful and highly perfumed Lily 

 is perfectly hardy, and will grow in good loam, though peat is to be 

 preferred for pot culture. To produce handsome specimens, the 

 same routine must be followed as directed for the cultivation of 

 L. auratum. It scarcely need be added, that instead of growing the 

 bulbs separately in pots, several may be grown in the same pot to 

 produce a richer effect. In any case, however, it is not advisable to 

 place the bulbs in a large mass of earth in the first instance. It 

 is better that they should commence their growth in small pots, and 

 be shifted on as they require more room. The varieties of L. 

 lancifolium make splendid basket plants, especially if they can be 

 displayed on a level with the eye, as the flowers are then seen to 

 advantage. Aphis is extremely partial to these Lilies, particularly 

 if they are badly grown, and allowed to suffer for the want of water. 

 The simplest way to remove the pest is to dip the plants in pure 

 water, taking care, of course, to prevent them from falling out of the 

 pots in the operation. 



JAPANESE DAY LILY (Hemerocattis Kwanso fl. pi.). This beauti- 

 ful plant is admirably adapted for pot culture to decorate the conserva- 

 tory, the rich variegation of its graceful curling leaves affording an 

 elegant display of colour in the early months of the year, and its fine 

 double flowers being extremely showy during their short blooming 

 season. As it is quite hardy, it may be planted in the select border 

 with perfect safety, and, in common with other Day Lilies, it bears the 

 shade of trees remarkably well. This is certainly one of the handsomest 

 hardy plants in cultivation. 



