THE LILIES 
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yellow' amaryllis bears some resemblance to our yellow 
crocus^ but with a larger flower and broader leaves. The 
blossom emerges from an undivided spathe^ or sheath, 
and is of a bell-shaped contour, with six divisions, and 
six stamens, which are alternately shorter. The flower 
seldom rises above three or four inches above the soil, 
accompanied by green leaves, which, after the flowering 
has passed, continue to wear their freshness through the 
winter. Many acres are often covered with this pretty 
flower, which is in its prime in September and October. 
It is a hardy plant, and was introduced into the English 
gardens by Gerarde in 1596, where it is seen flowering 
nearly at the same time as the saffron crocus and the 
colchicum (meadow saffron), with which it harmonises 
greatly in appearance.” 
The lily of the Scriptures seems to have been a flower 
which excited much admiration, as it was the subject of 
many beautiful comparisons. It is often spoken of in the 
Song of Solomon ; and He shall grow as the lily — He 
shall be as the dew upon the lily,” were figures employed 
by the inspired writers to convey ideas of purity and love- 
liness, 
Baron Humboldt, when remarking on the absence of 
meadow lands in tropical countries, dwells on the number 
of lily-like plants, with long, slender leaves, which stud 
the equinoctial plains. “ It would seem as if liliaceous 
plants, mingled with the grasses, assumed the place of 
the flowers of our meadows. Their form is indeed strik- 
ing; they dazzle by the variety and splendour of their 
colours; but, too high above the soil, they disturb that 
harmonious relation which exists among the plants that 
compose our meadows and our turf. Nature, in her bene- 
ficence, has given the landscape under every zone its pecu- 
liar type of beauty.” 
“ There’s beauty all around our paths, if but our watchful 
eyes 
Will trace it in familiar things, and in their lowliest guise.” 
And we may find it alike in the green fields of our own 
country, bespangled with dewdrops and daisies, or in the 
m.ore gorgeous array of flowers, and birds, and butterflies, 
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