ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 59 



From these few original species or varieties many new 

 ones have been grown, rivaling, and in some instances far 

 excelling, the parent stock. Since the introduction of the 

 Japan Lilies by Dr. Siebold, very few species of positive 

 merit have been discovered until the introduction, from 

 the same source, of that wonderful and magnificent novel- 

 ty, the L. auratum, or Golden-striped Lily. Tlie advent 

 of this species will mark another epoch in Lily culture, 

 for it gives us a starting-point for a new race of Lilies, . 

 entirely different from anything we previously possessed. 



When the Japan Lilies were first introduced they were 

 supposed to be tender, but exj^erience has proved them to 

 be very hardy, and capable of withstanding our severest 

 winters without injury. This hardy character makes them 

 far more valuable than they otherwise would have been, 

 because all may now enjoy their beauty with very little 

 expense or trouble. 



Those plants which are termed by botanists Lilaceous 

 plcmts, are very numerous, for the Gladiolus, Hyacinth, 

 Tulip, Xarcissus, Convallaria, Asphodel, Asparagus, Yucca, 

 and many other genera, are classed as members of this 

 great family. But the one now under consideration, and 

 which we term the true Lily family, does not contain so 

 large a number as some of the others, and many more 

 might be added with benefit. There has been a great 

 want of more species and varieties, and it is this which 

 has made the advent of the Japan species of so much value 

 to the floral world. Hybrids between the various species 

 will soon be produced, some of which will doubtless rival 

 or excel the originals. One such has already been an- 



