108 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
used too freely. When the bulbs are planted, the surface of the soil may 
be covered to a depth of 8 inches with ashes : this serves as a protection 
in winter. I do not like cocoa Hbre, as it holds moisture and attracts 
frost. 
Lilium Giganteum. — This grand Lily (fig. 25) has attracted much 
attention of late by reason of the splendid figures that have appeared in 
the horticultural press, and also the fine illustration in Miss Jekyll's book ; 
therefore a few remarks on this, the most majestic of all Lilies, may not 
be out of place. It delights in a deep rich vegetable soil, and should be 
planted where it has protection tr()m wind and sun. It is, perhaps more 
i'ii.. 22. — Lilium excelsum. 
than any other Lily, specially suited for the woodland. I do not believe 
that anything is gained by the planting of the extra large flowering bulbs. 
I think it is better to obtain smaller bulbs, and let them thoroughly 
establish themselves for a year or two, and then they will throw up their 
lofty flower-stems in full beauty. 
It is obvious that, when a bulb of this Lily flowers the season after 
planting, it can have nothing like the root action to draw from, which 
a bulb, that has been in the ground for some years, has. 
As pot plants for conservatory decoration. Lilies are unequalled, 
producing, when well grown, quantities of large well-formed flowers. 
The following varieties are most suitable for this purpose : — 
