The Famous Chinese Sacred Lily* 



This novel and charming flower was brought to this country by 

 the Chinese to use in celebrating their New Year's or Good Luck 

 Feast, as such was the custom at home, where, from the nature of 

 its use, the flowers are looked upon as sacred, as the off"ering to 

 their gods. The unique manner of growing the bulbs and the love- 

 liness 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 culture, certainty of bloom and 

 rare beauty all combine to make this lovely gem from the flowery 

 kingdom a most interesting and satisfactory "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 conditions not favorable to the 

 growth of most other plants. The rapidity of growth and masses of 

 deliciously scented flowers it will produce place it at the head of all 

 Winter-blooming bulbs. 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, 20 cts. each ; 3 for 50 cts.; 

 7 for ^i. 



Calochortus, 



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. We have made the 

 prices very low and anticipate a large demand for these 

 bulbs. 



CALOCHORTUS, ERECT-FLOWERING. 



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. 10 cts. each ; 3 for 

 25 cts.; 12 for 75 cts. 



Venustus Oculatus. — Showy and distinct; glori- 

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

 spots, richly colored reddish brown outside. 6 cts. 

 each ; 3 for 15 cts. 



"Venustus Boseus. — 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. 



Calocbortus Amoenus. — Color satiny rose pink; 

 lovely beyond description, and we consider it the high- 

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

 is as easily grown as any other variety of Calochortus. 

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



Set of 5 Varieties for 25 cts. 



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. 6 for 10 cts.; 12 for 20 

 cts.; 25 for 40 cts.; 50 for 75 cts.; 100 for ^1.50. 



The Chinese Sacred Lily. 



(ai) 



