YELLOW MART AGON LILY. 147 



where the soil is well drained, and positions somewhat 

 sheltered are selected for them. The best time to plant 

 lilies of all kinds is when the flowering is over and the 

 leaves are turning yellow, as the growth of a lily is like the 

 movement of a pendulum when the energies are expended 

 above, new growth begins below, and when the season of 

 fresh root-action returns, the bulbs may be transplanted 

 with safety. 



The second selection which it is proposed to plant in 

 peat constitutes a suitable selection for pot culture. First- 

 class lilies are valuable pot plants, and if only a few sorts 

 can be grown in pots for the conservatory, the best, beyond 

 doubt, amongst the cheaper kinds are Auratum, Speciosum, 

 and Longiflorum, for their flowers are exquisitely beautiful, 

 richly scented, and last as long as any lilies known to us. 

 To succeed with these as pot plants it is necessary to keep 

 in mind that they should never be distressed at the root, 

 and should never suffer through drought, or be excessively 

 stimulated by liquid manure. Liberal treatment they 

 should have, and a certain amount of fresh soil every year. 

 To supply this the ball of roots should be turned out care- 

 fully, and a lot of the old soil removed, without denuding 

 the bulbs completely ; then they should be replaced in the 

 same (or larger) pots, and filled in with fresh soil, into 

 which they will soon strike roots and grow with renewed 

 vigour. 



All lilies may be forced, but it should be done gently. 

 The last-named three are the best for forcing, and perhaps 

 Longiflorum, because of the pure ivory-white of its elegant 

 flowers, is most to be desired as a forced plant. A fine 

 companion plant to force with it is the Trumpet Lily, Calla 

 (or liichardia) ^ffithiv^ica, which is not a lily but an arum. 



