148 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



easy to cultivate. In fact, all of the Lilies may be grown 

 with comparative ease. A light, rich, well-drained soil, 

 mellow to the depth of at least 1 foot, a handful of sand 

 under each bulb if the soil is inclined to be stiff, and 

 planting so that the crown of the bulb will be at least 4 

 inches below the surface, are the general requirements. 

 One exception to the depth of planting is Lilium auratum, 

 or Golden-Banded Lily. This should be planted deeper 

 at least 8 inches below the surface as the new bulbs form 

 over the old one and soon bring the bulbs to the surface if 

 they are not planted deep. 



While Lilies may have partial shade, they should never 

 be planted near or under trees. The shade or protection of 

 tall-growing, herbaceous plants is sufficient. In fact, the 

 best results, both as to growth and effect, may be had by 

 planting amongst low shrubbery or border plants. Most 

 kinds are the better for remaining undisturbed for a number 

 of years; but if they are to be taken up and divided, or 

 moved to other quarters, they should not be allowed to be- 

 come dry. The small bulbs, or offsets, may be planted in 

 the border, and if protected will grow to flowering 

 size in two or three years. In taking up bulbs for 

 division it is best to do so soon after the tops die 

 after blooming. At least this should be done early 

 in the fall, not later than October, giving the plants 

 a chance to become established before freezing 

 weather. A mulch of coarse litter or evergreen boughs 

 should be placed over the bulbs after the ground 

 has become frozen, to be gradually removed as the 

 spring advances. 



As pot-plants some Lilies are very satisfactory, 

 Easter Lily es p ee i a iiy those that may be forced into bloom through 

 the winter. The best kinds for this purpose are L. Harrisii 

 (Easter Lily), L. longiflorum, and L. candidum. Others 

 may be forced with success, but these are the ones most 

 generally used. The winter culture of these for forcing is 



