220 MY GARDEN. 



remain to be introduced from California. It is important in their 

 culture that the bulbs should never become dry. Doubtless some 

 function is always being performed by the bulb, although they 

 appear to be at rest ; hence any excessive drought is highly inju- 

 rious. When planted, they should remain without being disturbed. 

 Of the common Martagon Lily (L. Martagon) there are many varie- 

 ties. The Scarlet Lily (L. Chalcedonicuni] is a very showy flower. I 

 have also tried the L. giganteum, from Nepaul, the flower-spike of 

 which I have seen, at Paris, attain to a height of eight or nine feet. 

 It is impossible to have too many species of lilies. They may be 

 increased by division, and grown in a good rich soil. 



" And here the lilies ; by whose odour known 

 The way of life was followed." DANTE. 



FIG. 423. Tigridia pavonia. 



FIG. 424. Canna indica. 



The Tiger-flower (Tigridia pavonia, fig. 423) is a very extraordinary 

 summer-blossoming flower. One or two of them should always be 

 grown. With us the roots constantly perish, and have to be renewed ; 

 this year I have not one plant from which to give a figure. They 

 are readily propagated by division of the bulb. 



For plants of showy, summer-garden foliage decoration, nothing 

 surpasses the varieties of Cannas (Canna indica, fig. 424). How 



