12 LILIES FOR ENGLISH GARDENS 



is limestone, and there is a good deal of umber in the 

 ground." On the other hand, the highest authority 

 says, " As to shade, we observe vigorous and healthy 

 specimens of L. candidum growing year after year in 

 a shady position," and "Z. candidum likes general shade 

 from buildings or trees." Then from the Riviera we are 

 told that they are " planted nine inches deep in sandy 

 soil exposed to the burning summer heat." A dis- 

 tinguished amateur in Kent says, " Few things have 

 stood heat and drought so well as this Lily." 



Then again we are told, " In the heavy marsh land, 

 with water very near the surface — a heavy clay that 

 bakes hard in summer — the White Lily flourishes." In 

 Berkshire, where at the great house the gardener could 

 not grow White Lilies, they were grand in a near cottage 

 (one of two) side by side, and failures in the next. The 

 goodwife accounted for her flourishing Lilies by saying 

 that whereas her neighbour left the Lilies dry, she 

 watered hers copiously. 



Then as to replanting ; one says, " Let alone four 

 or five years " ; another, " Lift and divide every other 

 year, and replant in fresh ground." On the Berkshire 

 chalk downs an informant says, " They have not been 

 touched for twelve or fourteen years." From the 

 South of France a successful grower writes, "They 

 have never been moved." Another at home says, 

 " Never disturb, but give a yearly top-dressing of rich 

 compost" ; and another, " I have known them undis- 

 turbed for twenty years." 



The lesson taught by all these contradictions is, that 

 every one must try how to grow the White Lily in his 



