December 27, 1883. J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
553 
fourth, but there is not the slightest exaggeration, the figure being 
engraved from a photograph, hence is a strictly truthful representation 
of the original. 
The important question arises, Can this remarkable form of fasciation 
be retained and transmitted by seeds ? Observing Mr. Sechiari’s remark 
that he had “ more than one such plant,” we made specific inquiry on 
the point, and were informed that he raised ten plants, five of which 
were like the examples forwarded, and the others more or less fasciated. 
This would appear to indicate that there is at least some degree of 
probability that this extraordinary form can be reproduced in the 
ordinary manner of raising plants ; yet further experience is requisite 
and this we shall await with interest. That fasciation can be per¬ 
petuated through the agency of seed we have conclusive evidence in the 
do better than ask your attention and your correspondents’ to it, con- 
fining myself to a few observations of my own experience. Most of my 
home-grown bulbs were potted long since, and the pots are full of roots; 
and I may here say I invariably shake them out when the stems have 
decayed. Those of the speciosum (lancifolium) type are fit for this 
purpose generally towards the end of September, and L. tigrinum out¬ 
doors even earlier, except the Martagon Lilies. Though I try to find 
a sheltered corner for those last named, the Tiger and Turk’s 
Cap Lilies outside, I must say, except under exceptional circum¬ 
stances, I dislike seeing L. auratum, L. speciosum, and its fine varieties, 
L. longiflorum, &c., dashed down by a fierce wind or splashed and 
blurred by a drenching rain. I am aware there are several gardens near 
here where Nature or the gardener’s art has afforded protection, and 
where the Lilies luxuriate and increase from year to year in hardy 
Azalea and Rhododendron beds. 
Wherever, then, accommodation can be had I consider those beautiful 
Fig. 113.—MB. SECHIARI'S VEGETABLE MARROW. 
ockscomb, and we are not without hope that Mr. Sechiari will be able 
to show us further examples of this wonderful Marrow next year. It is 
something more than a curiosity, being, as the cultivator informs us, 
and which the examples in question substantiate, much more productive 
than the ordinary varieties of this vegetable ; while as evidence of its 
being earlier we have only to add that the matured specimen was cut in 
June in a garden in Middlesex. 
IMPORTED v. HOME-GROWN LILIUMS. 
A lady from Dublin writes, “ I have seen some notes of yours in 
reference to potting Lilies in a recent issue of the Journal of Horticulture. 
. . . I have some home-grown, and I am about to receive a number 
direct from Japan through Messrs. Carter, London. As my stock is 
increasing I shall plant some outside and pot the remainder, but would 
first thank you to say if you would treat the former (home-grown) and 
the latter differently ? ” 
As I have reason to know there are others beside my fair correspon¬ 
dent who would like some additional information on the point, I cannot 
Lilies deserving of space indoors. Had the lady above referred to shaken 
out her Lilies when the stems had decayed she would have found a large 
or small system of roots resembling a miniature mop, one from the 
base of the bulb and the other from the stem. The former, if vigorous 
growth and careful treatment (not merely before flowering, but after¬ 
wards) had been pursued, would be quite healthy and ready to com¬ 
mence root-action again. The stem roots are generally cut off along 
with the withered stem at repotting, and of course decay with it, having 
performed their function of assisting the feeding roots below. If my 
correspondent has left her Lilies outside until now the pots are perhaps 
waterlogged, and roots and bulbs are probably decayed. If left to become 
dust-dry inside they will equally he valueless ; and lastly, if not regularly 
watered, fed, and matured after flowering there will be no satisfactory 
flowering next year. These hypotheses will likely answer partially if not 
wholly the often-repeated questions, Why must we buy imported Lilies 
every year? Why are imported Lilies better and more certain flowering? 
In order to extend the time of blooming I pot from time to time up to 
March next, as I want them for decorating our church, for which purpose 
nothing can compare with them. The imported Lilies generally arrive 
from Japan minus the sheaf of roots above referred to, and considerable 
