50 PHANTOM FLOWERS. 



spicy fragrance, together with the neat and regular 

 appearance of the trees themselves, making them gen- 

 eral favorites. Most of the Chinese varieties will 

 answer for our purpose, but we give preference to the 

 following : first, — 



White Chinese Magnolia {Magnolia conspicua). 



This variety blossoms during April in the Middle 

 States, and by the Chinese is called the Lily Tree, from 

 its Hly-shaped flowers, of a creamy white color. The 

 leaves arrive at perfection in June, and may be gath- 

 ered for maceration between the 15th of that month 

 and the middle of September. After that time the 

 ravages of insects begin to show themselfes. 



Magnolia Purpurea and Magnolia Soulangianna are 

 purple varieties, of Chinese origin, and may be gath- 

 ered and treated as the above-named. From four to 

 six weeks will generally be long enough for their per- 

 fect maceration, when they can be readily cleaned by' 

 the aid of warm water and rubbing between the 

 thumb and finger. 



