Chapter SIXTEEN 



THERE is no better investment for the 

 garden than a bed of hardy Lilies, 

 which should be started in the fall as 

 early as the bulbs may be had. This 

 is often later than is desirable, but the 

 matter is entirely beyond control. The best that can 

 be done is to get orders for foreign-grown bulbs placed 

 early in the fall. It is not necessary to wait for the 

 new catalogue, as the old will give the varieties and 

 approximate cost. The main thing is to get in 

 the order early that it may be filled promptly when 

 the bulbs arrive. Orders received last are filled last. 

 This means not only considerable delay, but second 

 choice in bulbs; the first-comers secure the best, the 

 last must take the cullings. 



Having ordered your bulbs, proceed at once to 

 make your beds. Better results are obtained by plant- 

 ing Lilies in beds with fibrous-rooted plants, hardy 

 shrubs, and perennials that do not need frequent dis- 

 turbing. The Lily is very impatient of moisture, and 

 water standing around the- roots in winter is absolutely 

 fatal. A raised bed of Peonies affords favourable 



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