BOTANICAL, INDEX. 
Lilies are not very universally distributed over the w orld, for there is not a single 
known species in the southern hemisphere; and with the exception of the few found 
in the mountains of sub-tropical Asia, all the true species of the Lilies are from the 
temperate zone, while those from the mountains of southern Asia are found so high 
above the level of the sea that the natural temperature is about equal to the latitude 
of the temperate zone. In the great economy of nature the Lily lias played no incon- 
spicuous part, furnishing food to the inhabitants of many a desolate country. In 
Kamtschatka the roots of L. pomponiurn and L. Kamtschatkensis are cultivated for food, 
the same as potatoes are in the United States. The bulbs of L. martagon are used by 
the Cossacks, and those of L. tigrinum in China and Japan, for food. Some medical 
properties have been ascribed to various species by ancient writers, but modern prac- 
titioners found no virtue in them until within the past few years, when they have 
been employed by the homeopathists with marked success. 
The Lilies are all annual herbs with scaly bulbs that remain in the ground dormant 
during winter, and do not do well to disturb oftener than about every three years. 
They should never be taken up in the spring, as they commence to grow early, and if 
they do not have a plenty of roots the vitality of the small bulb is exhausted in the 
effort to nourish a tall, rank growth of stalk, and still more in furnishing nutriment 
for the flower. We have prepared a cut of the typical forms of Lily Bulbs, that those 
interested in the study of plants may see the difference in them. Fig. 16 represents 
the American species, L. superbum, Sc., with a solid bulb or root covered with small 
white scales. Fig. 14 the Oriental species, of which L. lancifolium is the type, with 
small, upright, leafy scales, forming a complete crown. While in the Occidental 
species, Fig. 9, with L. candidum for a type, we have large leaf-like scales, terminating 
in a ground leaf, or bunch of leaves growing above the ground. Nearly all the 
species produce flowers very similar in form, except the L. Philudidphicum, Fig. 17, 
which is erect, and nearly all are more or less fragrant, especially the Japan species. 
Nearly all the species are perfectly hardy, especially the Japan varieties, and will 
grow very well in any ordinary garden soil, except the L. superbum and Philadelphicum, 
which should be grown in peat. But to produce fine specimens five feet high, with 
twenty or more flowers on a single stem, requires a better prepared and more favor- 
able compost. This may be readily done by removing a portion of the old soil, and 
replacing the same with peat or leaf mould and sand ; mixing the whole well together 
to the depth of eighteen or twenty inches. In such soil they will thrive with vigor, 
and produce an abundance of flowers. 
The best time for planting L. candidum is in July or August, before the ground 
leaves commence to grow, for they grow early, and like all other plants do not like to 
be disturbed while growing. All the other Lilies may be planted in October, or even 
November, and should be set about five inches deep and twelve inches apart. Before 
winter sets in, cover the bed to the depth of three or four inches with leaves, strawy 
manure, or tan. In April remove the covering, stir the surface of the bed, keep it 
clear of weeds, and in July they will make a magnificent display of flowers. When 
required to be removed, take them up and plant again as soon as possible. A layer 
of six inches of well-rotted cow manure, placed five or six inches below the bulbs, is 
the best fertilizer we have tried for Lilies. Although not a spring flower, it is nev- 
ertheless a most valuable acquisition to the summer garden, as the blooming of the 
different varieties are prolonged during the entire season; the flowers appearing in 
early spring on some of the species, followed by other varieties until frost. They 
will continue to bloom much longer if shaded from the noonday sun. 
The L. lancifolium varieties are among the most beautiful and delightfully fragrant, 
imparting a vanilla perfume. The flowers, internally, are covered with a beautiful 
frost-like surface, standing out like crystals, and richly marked and tinted with rose 
and crimson spots; excelling in beauty any description that can be given. They 
bloom in July, August and September ; and their hardiness, easy culture and elegance 
commend them to all admirers of beautiful flowers. All the varieties of the Japan 
Lilies are perfectly adapted to culture in pots. For this purpose, pot them in a mix- 
ture of light turfy loam and leaf mould. 
The L. auratum, or Golden-rayed Lily, is also from Japan. This is a most superb 
Lily, and has been called the King of Lilies. The flower is from eight to twelve 
inches across, composed of six delicate, ivory-white ground petals, each being thickly 
studded with rich chocolate-crimson spots, and haying a bright golden baud through 
the center of each petal, with an exquisite vanilla-like perfume. Strong, well estab- 
lished bulbs will produce a dozen or more of these magnificent flowers. It is perfectly 
hardy in the open ground, and also grows and blooms finely in pots. It will not bear 
manure, and should be planted in not too rich soi . 
The Candidum Lily makes a leaf growth in autumn. If the bloom is wanted the 
following year, all removal or setting of the roots must be done before this growth 
commences, or the bloom will be likely to fail. If taken up and potted during Octo- 
ber, they will bloom in a south sunny window during winter. 
