258 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
what is generally denominated the root, is a scaly bulb, 
the scales being laid over each other in an imbricate form, 
inclosing the bud. The bulb is not a root, strictly speak- 
ing, but a bud containing the embryo of the future plant. 
The roots are thrown out from very short stems at the 
bottom of these bulbs, or buds, and, unlike the fibres of 
the Tulip, are perennial; and on their strength depends, 
in a great measure, the vigor of the future plant. Bulbs, 
long kept out of ground, are very much weakened, and a 
number of years will elapse before they recover strength 
to bloom in great perfection. After the flowering of the 
Lily, in August, the foliage of many species decays; the 
bulbs then are in the most perfect state for transplanting. 
If they are permitted to remain long after this,.and the 
foliage begins to start again, they will not bloom so strong 
the next year. The Lily should not be moved any oftener 
than is necessary. It is not like the Tulip and many other 
bulbs, which are not injured, but rather improved, by tak- 
ing them up annually after flowering. The Lily will flour- 
ish in any well prepared border or bed. To have them 
in perfection, excavate the soil eighteen inches deep, 
and fill up with a compost of peat, or swamp muck, 
undecayed manure, or leaf mould, a foot deep; the re- 
maining six inches may be peat and rich mould. The 
bulbs of strong-growing Lilies may be planted from four 
to five inches deep; and weaker sorts from three to four 
inches. In the borders, three bulbs, of the stronger-grow- 
ing varieties, are enough for one group, or five, of the 
weaker sorts. They have a pleasing effect when in mas- 
ses; or they may be planted in beds. Most of the species 
are quite hardy; but they will all be benefitted, and bloom 
more strongly, provided they receive a covering of rotten 
manure before winter sets in. 
Lilium candidum.—The White Lily.—This species has 
always been considered the emblem of purity, and is too 
