INTRODUCTION. 7 



are, perhaps, better examples, the amaryllis and 

 gladioUis, where a few species have produced count- 

 less varieties, most of which excel any of the parents 

 in beauty, we see how wide a field is open ; while, 

 at the same time, it is impossible to predict the result, 

 or to imagine the improvements, which the future may 

 witness, or the beauty which may be born under the 

 skilful application of systematic culture. Perhaps 

 the most remarkable discovery in this class of plants 

 within the last few years is the golden-banded lily 

 (^Lil'ium auratum), the beauty of which it would be 

 difficult to describe; but we see no reason to doubt 

 that future explorations may give us equally valuable 

 additions, though perhaps not in the lily family. This 

 same lily flxmily offers a most tempting opportunity 

 for hybridization, both from the facility with which 

 it may be performed, and the beauty of the subjects ; 

 and in this field we may hope for great results in the 

 future. 



We must also bear in mind that many of the regions 

 most prolific in bulbs are, as yet, imperfectly explored 

 by botanists, and that scientific research may lead to 

 great developments. 



South Africa has probably many valuable discov- 

 eries yet to yield, and the rich fields of California and 



