146 LILIES 



of the known species of lily, eighty or so in number, 

 I would grow, if the choice were limited to half a 

 dozen kinds. 



Of course I should begin, as every one else would 

 who has a smattering acquaintance with the genus, 

 with the Madonna lily {L. candidum), were it not for 

 the fell parasite that attacks, defiles, and destroys it in 

 nine gardens out of ten, my own included. There are 

 lilies more gorgeous in colour and more ample in size, 

 but none to equal the Madonna in purity and grace or 

 excel her in fragrance. When well grown she stands 

 as the type and the ne plus ultra of her clan, the peer- 

 less Lily Queen. But woe is me! until some seely 

 wight devises protection or preventive against the 

 attacks of the fungus Botrytis cinerea, which began 

 its ravages in this country, I believe within the memory 

 of persons still living, one may not place one's trust in 

 the Madonna, which is all the more bitter grief because, 

 where this lily escapes the fungus, none is more easily 

 cultivated ; its requirements are of the simplest. 



So, failing the Madonna, I begin my half-dozen with 

 the Nankin lily (X. testaceum), whereof she is reputed 

 to be the parent through a flirtation with the scarlet 

 turncap {L. chalcedonicu/m). This lovely hybrid retains 

 much of its mother's grace, as may be seen in the group 

 which was photographed for me in the Oxford Botanic 

 Garden (see frontispiece); while the fiery complexion of 

 the other parent has been toned down to roseate 

 apricot, greatly enhanced in quality by the waxy texture 

 of the corolla and the rich ruddy orange of the anthers.' 

 ' See page 313. 



