THE GENUS LILIUM. 
65 
with the two or three blue ones, such as Imperatrice Josephine, 
Emma, and Blue Queen, will be found to afford all the variety 
desirable, where they are considered only as ornamental plants 
without reference to tlieir cultivation as florist’s flowers. We 
prefer young plants in a growing state, obtained by striking early 
in spring, to the stores which have stood through the winter, as 
they usually grow away more rapidly, and wear altogether a 
better appearance. For providing a stock for the following season, 
cuttings ought to be struck in August (not later), as little depen¬ 
dence can be placed on younger plants or layers, which may live 
through the dull weather, but more frequently fail. It would amply 
repay the trouble, could we procure varieties with the habit of the old 
Speciosa or Sabini, and we suggest the trial to those interested. 
Veronica speciosa and salicifolia may also he included among 
bedding plants, the only point necessary to ensure a good display 
of flowers being to provide well-established plants for the purpose, 
such as fill an eight-inch pot being most suitable ; these in large 
beds have a noble appearance, and after a season in the open air, 
may be taken and potted as specimens suitable for exhibition, as 
they usually grow very rapidly under such treatment. Their 
height may be stated at two feet, and the deep purple flowers and 
handsome foliage of the first, with the white flowers and lighter 
habit of the last, are very desirable. Editor. 
THE GENUS LILIUM. 
I have thought a brief description of some of the most beautiful 
members of this genus would interest your readers, and afford 
some assistance in making purchases, and accordingly send it. 
Few plants equal the Lilies in stately grandeur, and any one may 
enjoy their loveliness who will be at the pains #to plant the roots 
in a bed of tolerably rich light soil, and leave them alone ; six 
inches from the crown of the bulb to the surface of the earth, is 
about the depth that the larger bulbs should be placed; those 
which are naturally small, should not be put more than half so 
deep. In the autumn, a layer of half-decayed leaves should be 
spread over the bed, to be turned in with a little manure in spring, 
and this completes their culture as border plants, which every 
one of them is hardy enough,to endure. 
ii. 
6 
