306 
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
the newer varieties. By these notes it will be seen that a con¬ 
siderable gain in early flowering has been effected. The prolon¬ 
gation of flowering during the autumn is also remarkable. With 
favourable weather we have had them good at the end of 
September, and even into October, in the case of the forms of 
N. odorata, which appear to make up then for loss of time in 
the spring. The best season for flowers is from the middle of 
July to the first week in September, and the very best during 
August. When the weather has been dull and showery at these 
seasons the flowers will frequently remain open until 6 o’clock 
or later in the evening, even during clear moonlight nights at 
times. Should it perchance be raining, as in the case of a few 
showery hours, the effect upon the Water-lilies is most beautiful. 
They glisten and sparkle like diamonds in their settings ; in fact, 
at such times they might fairly be called “ water diamonds.” A 
pleasing effect is produced even at the distance of from 100 to 
200 yards, so rich and distinct are the colours. 
As Cut Flowers. 
In a cut state for special occasions I can strongly recommend 
their adoption. W T henever we have used them they have been a 
source of great attraction and admiration. The position in which 
we arrange them to the best effect is in two white marble 
fountains of shell-like form. These by reason of their purity of 
colour are admirably suited to display any of these tinted Lilies 
to the best possible advantage. We float them in the water with 
as nearly as possible their own foliage as accompaniments. As 
it is chiefly for evening parties that they are used, we find it 
better to reflex the sepals for safety, otherwise they might be 
disposed to close up too tightly. (It appears to be the sepals 
which exercise a certain amount of pressure upon the petals : 
this may be noted in the case of all faded flowers.) By so doing, 
much as some may condemn the practice, we are enabled to make 
a much better and more lasting effect with them. In this state, 
with plenty of water in which to float them, they will last fresh 
and good for several days. In any case, they should be cut, as 
with the Rose, whilst still young, first-day flowers being the best 
to choose. 
