1892.] ESSAYS. 127 



porous subsoil. Standing water is a decided obstacle to its cul- 

 vation . 



For a lily bed, the ground should be spaded 15 inches deep 

 and well enriched. Plant the largest of the liulbs 12 inches 

 deep, the smaller ones 8 inches. The month of October is the 

 best time for planting most species, and three years is as long 

 as a bed should remain in the same place. They do well if 

 somewhat shaded, but some kinds require the sunlight. 



Following are some of the varieties which can l^e recom- 

 mended as being perfectly hardy, and well worth a place in every 

 garden : Lilium japonicum Bron'nii, L. candidum, L. aura- 

 tum, L. 2JO)n2)onhi7n and its varieties, L. speciosum and varie- 

 ties, L. Martagon and varieties, L. excehum, L. elegans and 

 varieties, L. monadelpJnnn, and L. longiflorum and its varieties. 



Some bulbs will remain a year in the ground before starting. 

 This genus of plants has been sadly neglected of late years. 

 Their stately beauty, their utility as a decorative plant either 

 cut or in the garden should make them more generally grown. 



In the above remarks, many worthy plants have doubtlej-s 

 been overlooked, others merely mentioned. An afternoon could 

 be devoted to the gladiolus itself, another to the lily or the dahlia. 

 But if a renewed interest is awakened in the cultivation of these 

 plants, or the way of beginning aright shown to some, who have 

 been doulitful of success, if they should try this branch of Hor- 

 ticulture ; then will the object of this paper be accomplished. 



