LILY 379 
though easy to cultivate. In fact, all of the lilies may be grown with 
comparative ease in regions where the given species are hardy. 
A light, fertile, well-drained soil, mellow to the depth of at least one 
foot, a handful of sand under each bulb if the soil is inclined to be stiff, 
and planting so that the crown of the bulb will be at least 4 inches 
below the surface, are the general requirements. One exception to 
the depth of planting is Lilium auratum, or golden-banded lily. This 
should be planted deeper —from 8 to 12 inches below the sur- 
face — as the new bulbs form over the old one and soon bring the 
bulbs to the surface if they are not planted deep. Deep working of 
the ground is always desirable; 18 inches, or even 2 feet, will be 
none too deep. L.candidum and L. testucewm should be planted in 
August or September, if possible; but usually lilies are planted in 
October and November. 
For all lilies it is safer to provide good winter protection in the 
form of a mulch of leaves or manure, and extending beyond the hor- 
ders of the planting. This should be 5 inches to a foot deep, accord- 
ing to the latitude or locality. 
While most lilies profit by partial shade (except L. candidum), they 
should never be planted near or under trees. The shade or protection 
of tall-growing herbaceous plants is sufficient. In fact, the best re- 
sults, both as to growth and effect, may be secured by planting amongst 
low shrubbery or border plants. 
Most kinds are the better for remaining undisturbed for a number 
of years; but if they are to be taken up and divided, or moved to other 
quarters, they should not be allowed to become dry. The small bulbs, 
or offsets, may be planted in the border, and if protected, will grow to 
flowering size in two or three years. In taking up bulbs for division 
it is best to do so soon after the tops die after blooming. At least this 
should be done early in the fall, not later than October, giving the plants 
a chance to become established before freezing weather. 
As pot-plants some kinds of lilies are very satisfactory, especially 
those that may be forced into bloom through the winter. The best 
kinds for this purpose are L. Harristi (Easter lily), L. longiflorum, and 
L. candidum. Others may be forced with success, but these are the 
ones most generally used. The winter culture for forcing is practi- 
cally the same as for hyacinths in pots. 
