LILIES. 
107 
quire such care when being lifted ; nor is it necessary to lift them so 
early ; and they can be planted any time during the autumn and spring 
without experiencing any serious check. 
The stem roots of these Lilies are, so to speak, the mainspring of the 
flower stem, forming a dense mat or wig round the stem, and enable it to 
draw its nourishment independently of the bulb. It is very important 
that they should be kept cool and moist (especially is this so in pot 
culture) ; for if they once get thoroughly dry or scorched by the sun, the 
stem at once suffers, the leaves turn yellow, drop off, and often the whole 
plant succumbs. This is very often the cause of failure in L. auratum, 
which more than any other Lily likes coolness at the root. For trade 
purposes it is always best to lift all Lilies as soon as growth is finished 
and keep them cool and fresh in a shed or frame : by this means root 
action is held in check. 
Good, sound imported bulbs of Japanese Lilies, which now arrive 
in excellent condition during the early part of the year, may be planted 
Fig. 21. — L. Humboldti. 
as late as March and April with every confidence as to the result, 
provided they are in a fresh and sound condition for planting when 
received. 
As a general rule, when planting bulbs, they should be put in the soil 
about three times their own depth : the soil should be well dug, and it is 
beneficial if a little peat, turfy loam, leaf soil, and sea sand be added. 
This latter (the sea sand) should be placed all round the bulbs ; in fact, 
we use sea sand to a very large extent, generally covering the bulb 
entirely with it. It is always moist, and being of a gritty nature pre- 
vents the attacks of slugs and grubs, and also keeps the soil from setting 
fast round the bulbs. 
I would recommend, when planting Lilies amongst Rhododendrons 
and shrubs, the using of old tubs cut in half, with the bottoms knocked 
out. They can be sunk in the beds and filled with a good mixture of 
soil, and will serve to keep the roots of the shrubs and trees from inter- 
fering with the bulbs. Lilies planted in this manner are generally very 
successful. A little well decayed manure — cow manure for preference — 
may be worked in beneath the bulbs when planting, but it must not be 
