138 
LILIES. 
“ Of the Martagon Lilies there are several 
species, and many varieties of each. One of 
these is called the Chalcedonian, or Scarlet 
Martagon, and has been determined to be the 
poetical hyacinth. The Red and Yellow 
Martagons are commonly known by the name 
of Turk’s-cap Lilies. 
“ The common white lily has now been 
naturalized in our gardens above two hundred 
years, and yet retains a place there; but the 
Mexican fancy of the hour, the Dahlia, be¬ 
gins to intrude upon them, and perhaps may 
banish the “ ignobile vulgus ” of an elder 
day. 
“ The name of Lily has been very impro¬ 
perly given to the species of Convallaria, as 
it has not the least affinity with the Lily either 
in its root, fruit, or flower. We presume that 
it was called a Lily from the purity of its 
white Corolla, for even at this present time, 
we attach an idea of delicacy to the very 
name of Lily. As it grows spontaneously in 
shady valleys, it is natural to call it the Lily 
of the Valley. The name of Convallaria is 
derived from Convallis, a valley. It was 
called May Lily from the month in which it 
flowered. 
“ This elegantly modest plant formerly grew 
in our woods and valleys in great abundance, 
but the increase in the number of our gardens, 
and the high state of cultivation of this coun¬ 
try, in general, have rendered the plant rare 
in its natural state ; yet it is cherished in the 
garden by all the admirers of good flowers. 
