Plate 233. 



LILIUM AURATUM CRUENTUM. 



The golden-rayed Lily of Japan {L. auratum), like all other species which have under- 

 gone a lengthened course of culture and seminal reproduction, is a very variable plant 

 indeed ; the two extreme types being L. auratum virginals, which has pure white unspotted 

 segments, and our present plant, which is the deepest in colour of all the varieties of L. 

 auratum. Only two plants of this particular form are known, and the one from which our 

 plate was prepared is now in the hands of Mr. W. Bull, F.L.S. I only regret that I 

 cannot represent the flower of its full natural size. The approximate dimensions were : — 

 Plant, 30 inches in height ; leaves, 3-4 inches in length, |— § inch broad, of a very dark 

 green colour, and very densely arranged on a slender purplish stem. The flower was 11 

 inches in diameter in its natural state, but nearly 13 inches when the recurved tips of the 

 perianth segments were straightened out. The inner segments were 3 inches in breadth at 

 their broadest part, and of great substance. Outer segments, l|-2 inches broad in the 

 widest part, and their margins were more undulate than those of the inner segments. The 

 colour of the segments is creamy white, suffused towards their apices with soft lemon or 

 nankeen colour — the centre of each from the extreme base to within an inch of the apex 

 being occupied by a rich feathered ray of bright chocolate purple, the richer parts having 

 a scarlet flush when seen in a good light — that is to say, between the eye and the light. In 

 addition to the ray colouring there were numerous blood-red blotches and papillae extending 

 beyond the ray, and appearing very beautiful as seen on the waxy whiteness of the segments. 

 The colouring of the ray is very dark as it nears the centre of the flower, being in fact, 

 nearly black. The much smaller stature of the plant, and much larger flowers, smaller and 

 far more densely arranged foliage, and distinct colouring, are so marked that there can be 

 no doubt of this being perfectly distinct, as a form of L. auratum, and in all justice to a 

 noble Lily the name of L. auratum omentum must be retained. Dr. Wallace, of Colchester, 

 has kindly allowed me to see a drawing of a splendid variety of L. auratum rubro-vittatum ; 

 our plant, however, has greater affinity with L. auratum rubrum of the "Revue Horticole." 



Plate 234. 



MARANTA MASSINGIANA. 



This is undoubtedly one of the most attractive of all the dwarf-growing, velvety-leaved 

 Marantas, and as such well deserves culture in gardens where fine foliaged plants are 

 appreciated. Our drawing was made in Messrs. Veitch's nursery at Chelsea, in September 

 last, and represents the usual aspect of the plant as grown in an ordinary stove. The plant 

 luxuriates in a warm humid temperature, and if the protection of a bell-glass is afforded, the 

 colour of its foliage become much more beautiful and distinct. The plant has been exhibited, 

 and has repeatedly gained certificates as a most desirable novelty. 



