306 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the newer varieties. By these notes it will be seen that a con- 

 siderable gain in early flowering has been effected. The prolon- 

 gation of flowering during the autumn is also remarkable. With 

 favourable weather we have had them good at the end of 

 September, and even into October, in the case of the forms of 

 N. odorata, which appear to make up then for loss of time in 

 the spring. The best season for flowers is from the middle of 

 July to the first week in September, and the very best during 

 August. When the weather has been dull and showery at these 

 seasons the flowers will frequently remain open until 6 o'clock 

 or later in the evening, even during clear moonlight nights at 

 times. Should it perchance be raining, as in the case of a few 

 showery hours, the effect upon the Water-lilies is most beautiful. 

 They glisten and sparkle like diamonds in their settings ; in fact, 

 at such times they might fairly be called " water diamonds." A 

 pleasing effect is produced even at the distance of from 100 to 

 200 yards, so rich and distinct are the colours. 



As Cut Flowers. 



In a cut state for special occasions I can strongly recommend 

 their adoption. Whenever we have used them they have been a 

 source of great attraction and admiration. The position in which 

 we arrange them to the best effect is in two white marble 

 fountains of shell-like form. These by reason of their purity of 

 colour are admirably suited to display any of these tinted Lilies 

 to the best possible advantage. We float them in the water with 

 as nearly as possible their own foliage as accompaniments. As 

 it is chiefly for evening parties that they are used, we find it 

 better to reflex the sepals for safety, otherwise they might be 

 disposed to close up too tightly. (It appears to be the sepals 

 which exercise a certain amount of pressure upon the petals : 

 this may be noted in the case of all faded flowers.) By so doing, 

 much as some may condemn the practice, we are enabled to make 

 a much better and more lasting effect with them. In this state, 

 with plenty of water in which to float them, they will last fresh 

 and good for several days. In any case, they should be cut, as 

 with the Bose, whilst still young, first-day flowers being the best 

 to choose. 



