LILY. 



197 



that marked variations will be noticeable in all future 

 generations. 



The type reaches a height of from three to four feet, 

 bearing from four to twelve ivory-white flowers, with a 

 distinct central band of bright yellow, with numerous 

 deep purple spots ; when fully expanded the flowers are 

 from eight to twelve inches across. When planted in a 

 deep, rich soil, the stalks often assume a fasciated form, 

 producing an immense number of flowers ; the greatest 

 number we have ever seen on a single stem being one 

 hundred and twenty-six. Like all other monstrosities, 

 number is at the expense of beauty. What are known 

 to the trade as home-grown bulbs are greatly to be pre- 

 ferred to newly imported ones, which are apt to be taken 

 up before thcv are fully ripened, besides losing much of 

 their vitality by long transit, in a dry state. All the 

 forms of L. auratum succeed admirably when grown in 

 pots, because then they are not likely to be injured by 

 frost, or from a surfeit of water. 



Yar. rubra vittatum. — This form differs from the 

 type by having a band of rich bright crimson, instead of 

 the yellow, and in the spots, which have a brighter tint. 



Var. cruentum. — This is a dwarf form, bearing 

 large flowers, with a rather dingy maroon stripe, darken- 

 ing towards the center, with purplish-crimson spots. 



Var. Emperor. — A grand flower, of good shape 

 and substance, with reddish spots and center. 



Var. rubjro-pictum. — When this flower first opens 

 it is very beautiful ; the bright yellow band changes to 

 crimson at the ends of the petals ; the spots are of the 

 same crimson tint. 



Var. pictum. — Same as the last, excepting the tip 

 only, or lower end of the petal, being marked with 

 crimson. 



Var. virginale. — This is unquestionably the grand- 

 est of all the L. auratum varieties, and if it were not 



