L Hies a nd their A Hies. 593 



depends entirely upon the object in view. Where it is de- 

 sirable to grow fine strong flower-spikes for exhibition, natu- 

 rally more space must be allowed ; but for massing they are 

 usually planted close enough to fairly cover the ground. In the 

 former case, a foot or even eighteen inches apart each way is 

 no more than sufficient. It is as well, where convenient, to 

 change the ground for these and other bulbs, for they will 

 nourish better in a fresh soil. 



The culture of the numerous Cape bulbs, such as the species 

 of Ixia, Sparaxis, Watsonia, etc., in. the open air is very 

 limited, and only practicable in favourable localities ; a deep 

 warm dry soil and a sheltered situation being indispensable. 

 And then they must be planted about six inches deep to enable 

 them to resist sharp frosts. But ever so little protection with 

 dry litter or some readily portable material will suffice, and 

 the brilliant and unusual combinations of colours displayed by 

 many of them will amply repay the little extra labour they 

 entail. 



b. Culture of Lilies and their Allies. The bulbs of Lilies, 

 the Crown Imperial, and a few other subjects, differ materially 

 from those described above, being composed of loose fleshy 

 scales, and consequently of a much more perishable nature. It 

 follows, therefore, that they should not be kept out of the 

 ground any longer than is absolutely necessary, and if only 

 for a short time they should not be exposed to a drying wind 

 or heat. On the other hand, they must not be moistened. 

 Covered with almost dry sand or moss, they will take no harm 

 for a week or two. But in all cases where practicable, they 

 should be replanted without delay. The operation of trans- 

 planting and lifting to obtain the offsets may be done at any 

 time in the autumn after the maturation of the old flower- 

 stems. It is better to do this when the ground is not very wet, 

 as it will work much freer, and be more favourable to the 

 growth of the bulbs. A very few of the many gorgeous species 

 are in general cultivation, but the introduction of many fine 

 new ones within the last few years has been the means of 

 bringing them into more prominent notice, and they are 

 already becoming very popular. The species commonly seen, 

 and requiring no particular skill in treatment, are the Orange 

 Lily (Lilium bulbiferum), the White Lily (L. candidum), and 

 the Tiger Lily (L. tigrinum), all very handsome hardy her- 

 baceous plants, but by no means so showy as many of their 



QQ 



