JACOBEAN LILIES 565 
into two or three divisions. The scape is stout and hollow, about 2 feet 
high. It flowers during summer and autumn. It isa native of South 
Africa, and was introduced in 1774 by Francis Masson, who was sent 
out to collect plants for Kew Gardens. There are several varieties. 
Var. eximia is a trifle larger, of the same colour as the type, but with a 
white throat which is feathered with crimson. The var. magnifica 
appears to differ from the last only in the point of size. 
Generally speaking, Vallota must be grown as a 
reenhouse plant, although in the extreme South it is 
hardy in situations not too exposed. Here the bulbs should be planted 
deeply (6 or 8 inches), and surrounded with sand before covering wit 
ordinary soil. They should be well and regularly watered during the 
period of growth, and should remain undisturbed until there is danger 
of crowding. In most gardens, however, they are grown in pots, under 
glass. The bulbs may be grown either singly in 4-inch pots, or in 
clusters of six or eight, in 10-inch pots, in a loamy soil. They should be 
only partially buried. Whilst growing they should be placed near the glass 
in a sunny position; and when growth is completed, rest may be induced 
by witholding water. If pot-bound, a condition conducive to floriferous- 
ness, manure water may be given now and then. 
Description of Vallota purpurea, the Searborough Lily. Flowers 
Plate 26. about one-third less than the natural size; bulb and leaves 
about two-thirds less than nature. Fig 1, a section of flower. 
Culture. 
JACOBEAN LILIES 
Natural Order AMARYLLIDEZ. Genus Sprekelia 
SPREKELIA (derived from the name of J. H. Sprekelsen, of Hamburg, 
who wrote on Liliaceze, and died 1764). A genus consisting of a single 
species. It has a bulbous root, with narrow strap-shaped leaves, six or 
seven to a scape. The scape is hollow, somewhat two-edged, and 
appears with the leaves. The flower is at first enclosed in a spathe, 
afterwards bent downwards (declinate), and has scarcely any tube, the 
almost unequal segments free to the base, where they are broader than 
above. Thestamens are attached to the segments at the base, and irved 
like the style. A native of Mexico and Guatemala; introduced 1593. 
SPREKELIA FORMOSISSIMA (most beautiful). Flowers large, showy, 
crimson, solitary or (rarely) twin; June. Height, 2 feet. Plate 262. 
There are several named varieties. 
Iv.—18 
