CHINESE SACRED LILY-CALOCHORTUS. 



19 



Cbe famous Chinese Sacred Lily* 



This novel and charming flower is used by the Chinese in celebrat- 

 ing their New Year's or Good Luck Feast. The flowers are looked 

 upon as sacred, as an offering to their, gods. The unique manner 

 of growing the bulbs and the loveliness of the blossom attracted 

 instant attention in this country, and during the last few years it has 

 become the most popular of all Winter-flowering bulbs ; ease of cul- 

 ture, certainty of bloom and rare beauty all combine to make this 

 lovely gem from the Flowery Kingdom a most interesting and satis- 

 factory Winter flower. It will thrive in soil, but the favorite method 

 of culture is growing in water and gravel, where it can be depended 

 upon to flower within 20 to 30 days after planting. Select a vessel 

 of sufficient size, place two or three bulbs in it, fill the interspace 

 with coarse sand or gravel until the bulb is firmly held in position, 

 and then add water until quite covered. Place in a moderately cool 

 situation by the window ; replenish the water from time to time as 

 it evaporates or becomes foul. It is particularly adapted to con- 

 ditions not favorable to the growth of most other plants. In four to 

 five weeks it will produce masses of deliciously scented flowers. 

 There are many spurious bulbs on the market, but those offered by 

 us are the largest and finest procurable, which we import direct from 

 China. They are sure to bloom. Price, extra large, solid bulbs, 

 postpaid by mail, 15 cts. each ; 4 for 50 cts.; 9 for $1. 



Calocbortus or Star Oilips* 



Better known as Butterfly Tulips, Star Tulips, Cali- 

 fornia Lily or Mariposa Lily. Our illustration does 

 them but scant justice. The Calochortus are not suita- 

 ble for outdoor culture, except in the extreme South 

 or along the Pacific coast; but as house plants, given 

 the same treatment as Hyacinths, they succeed admi- 

 rably. Their novel grace, varied forms and tints of 

 exquisite colors are a source of never-ending pleasure 

 to all. The foliage is extremely graceful, the many 

 stems terminating in clusters of bell-shaped, drooping 

 flowers which are surpassingly gay and beautiful. 

 The best effects may be secured by planting 5 or 6 

 bulbs in a six-inch pot ; boxes may also be used for the 

 purpose. The soil should consist of an equal propor- 

 tion of natural loam and sand. 



Calocbortus, €rect-f lowering. 



The following varieties produce erect, cup-like flow- 

 ers of large size, borne on stiff, slender stalks, 10 to 20 

 inches high, and produce 15 to 20 flowers on a stalk. 



Splendens. — The type of the species ; very large 

 flowers, fully three inches across ; light lavender, shad- 

 ing to lilac, full of cobwebby hairs ; a charming addi- 

 tion to a collection of pot plants. 7 cts. each ; 4 for 

 25 cts.; 12 for 60 cts. 



Venustus Oculatus. — Showy and distinct ; glori- 

 ous flowers; white ground inside, with striking eye-like 

 spots, richly colored reddish brown outside. 6 cts. 

 each ; 3 for 15 cts. 



Venustus Roseus. — A perfect gem ; creamy in- 

 side, rose colored at top of petals, carmine on back, 

 beautiful tinted eye in centre, silky glands at base. 6 

 cts. each ; 3 for 15 cts. 



Albus {Bell-shaped). — Strong grower ; very florifer- 

 ous ; flowers an inch in diameter, perfect globes of 

 pearly white ; edged with silky hairs, hanging like 

 bells. 6 cts. each; 3 for 15 cts. 



Calochortus Amoenus. — Color satiny rose pink ; 

 lovely beyond description, and we consider it the high- 

 est type of Calochortus yet sent oat ; and best of all, it 

 is as easily grown as any other variety of Calochortus. 

 8 cts. each ; 2 for 15 cts.; 5 for 35 cts. 



Set of 5 Varieties for 25 cents. 



Calochortus, All Varieties Mixed. — Compris- 

 ing a mixture of the best and richest collection of these 

 beautiful and rare flowers yet sent out, and the most 

 for the money ever offered. 3 tor 10 cts.; 12 for 30 cts.; 

 50 for #1.30. 



The Chinese Sacred Lily* 

 The prices given include the postage, which we pay. 



