50 



PHANTOM FLOWERS. 



spicy fragrance, together -vvith the neat and regular 

 appearance of the trees themselves, making them gen- 

 eral favorites. Most of the Chinese varieties will 

 answer for our purpose, but we give preference to the 

 following : first, — 



White Chixese Magxolia {Magnolia conspicua). 



This variety blossoms during April in the Middle 

 States, and by the Chinese is called the Lily Tree, from 

 its lily-shaped flowers, of a creamy white color. The 

 leaves arrive at perfection in June, and may be gath- 

 ered for maceration between the loth of that month 

 and the middle of September. After that time the 

 rava"-es of insects bes^in to show themselves. 



Magnolia Purpurea and Magnolia Soulangianna are 

 purple varieties, of Chinese origin, and may be gath- 

 ered and treated as the above-named. From four to 

 six weeks will generally be long enough for their per- 

 fect maceration, when they can be readily cleaned by 

 the aid of warm water and rubbing between the 

 thumb and finger. 



