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Selected Backhouse Hybrid Lilies 
MRS. R. O. BACKHOUSE 
A tall and stately Lily growing upwards of five 
feet high, bearing from 15 to 30 flowers of an 
orange-yellow tone, lightly spotted with purple. 
The general form of the flower is somewhat 
reminiscent of Hansonii but the petals are wider 
and stouter and the flower does not reflex so much 
as in Martagon; this lily is most distinct in char¬ 
acter and we look upon this as one of the finest 
hybrids yet raised. 
Fall planting, about 8 inches deep; June-July 
flowering. A few specimen bulbs, $10 each. Extra 
selected bulbs, $5 each. Smaller bulbs, $3 each. 
SCEPTRE 
One of the best of the seedlings raised by Mrs. 
Backhouse and one of the last to flower. As grown 
in our trial garden the plants were over 6 feet in 
height. This variety is very vigorous and free- 
flowering. 
It must be seen growing to appreciate its ef¬ 
fectiveness. The flowers, which are star-shaped, 
are pinkish buff and freely covered with small dark 
spots. When better known it will prove a great 
acquisition for the hardy flower border. 
These beautiful lilies are for the exclusive gar¬ 
den, for the gardener who wishes to surround him¬ 
self with the choicest flowers and plants. 
Fall planting, about 8 inches deep; June-July 
flowering. A few specimen bulbs, $10 each. Extra 
selected bulbs, $7.50 each. Smaller bulbs, $4 each. 
SUTTON COURT 
Somewhat similar to the foregoing variety, but 
stronger in growth. The flowers are slightly 
smaller, more reflexed and heavily spotted with 
purple, whilst the exterior of the petal is distinctly 
shaded with pink, the internal surface being of a 
light yellow, the whole inflorescence being of a 
most distinct and pleasing appearance. 
Fall planting, about 8 inches deep; June-July 
flowering. A few specimen bulbs, $10 each. Extra 
selected bulbs, $6 each. Smaller bulbs, $4 each. 
IN MIXTURE 
There is such a great variation in lovely shad¬ 
ings and forms that all can not be named. We 
now offer a Superior Mixture, consisting of care¬ 
fully selected colorings; a splendid investment 
that will increase in value and beauty from year 
to year. Only limited stock is available and we 
recommend that reservations be made early. $25 
for 10. 
June Flowering Lilies 
LILIUM CANDIDUM 
(ASCENSION OR MADONNA LILY) 
The Lily of antiquity was undoubtedly L. Candidum. In 
mythology this white Lily was supposed to have sprung 
from the milk of Hera. As the plant of Purity, it was con¬ 
trasted with the Rose of Aphrodite. All through the Middle 
Ages this Lily was the symbol of heavenly purity. 
Maeterlinck refers to this loveliest of Lilies when he says: 
“The great white Lily, the lord of the gardens, the only 
authentic prince among all the commonalty issuing from 
the kitchen garden, the ditches, the copses, the pools and 
the moors, among the strangers come from none knows 
where, with his invariable six-petaled chalice of silver, 
whose nobility dates back to that of the Gods themselves, 
the immemorial Lily raises his ancient sceptre, august, in¬ 
violate, which creates around it a zone of chastity, silence 
and light.” 
Be very careful that you plant the right type of this 
beautiful lily. There is an early flowering variety which 
is grown in the south of France. These should be used 
exclusively for forcing; if planted in the garden they are 
prone to disease and are unsatisfactory. 
The true type to use for the garden is the Lilium Can¬ 
didum from the North of France. This bulb is easily recog¬ 
nized by its compositon of white, fleshy scales, while the 
southern France sort has very light pink, loose scales. 
Plant in ordinary garden soil, without fertilizer, sur¬ 
rounding the bulb with sharp sand and placing it somewhat 
on its side. An open, full exposed place is best for it, 
though it will also succeed in somewhat shaded situations. 
After it has become established, leave it alone as it re¬ 
sents disturbance at the roots; the bulb requiring shallow 
planting with the top only an inch or two below the ground, 
the roots establish themselves very close to the surface; 
for this reason weeding or scratching near the lilies should 
be done most carefully. If necessary to transplant, do so 
as soon as the flower-stems die down. 
This Lily of all Lilies should be planted in quantity in 
every garden—emblem of purity, the inspiration of poet 
and painter for centuries, and a benediction in the garden 
when June is melting into July—their delicious fragrance 
is not equalled by any other lily. 
To create a beautiful picture plant strong clumps of 
Delphinium Bella Donna or English Hybrids of Delphin¬ 
iums in light blue varieties with these Madonna Lilies. 
True Northern France 
LILIUM CANDIDUM 
We deliver these “true Northern France” Lilies 
in their original French hampers. 
Hamper of 100 Extra Heavy, Selected Bulbs, $48. 
Hamper of 50 Extra Heavy, Selected Bulbs, $25; 
$6 for 10. 
Hamper of 100 Selected, slightly smaller bulbs, 
$38. 
Hamper of 50 Selected, slightly smaller bulbs, $20. 
Hamper of 100 Strong Quality, good flowering 
bulbs, $25. 
Hamper of 50 Strong Quality, good flowering 
bulbs, $13. 
Occasionally we receive a limited number of 
bulbs of enormous size which we offer under the 
name of Special Stock, at $7.50 for 10; $30 for 50; 
$59 per 100. 
BROWNII (True) 
One of the finest and most satisfactory lilies. 
The flower-stem is 3 to 4 feet tall, is tinged with 
reddish brown and the foliage is long, narrow, 
gracefully curved, and of a deep green tint. The 
trumpet-shaped flowers are large, well formed, 
and of great substance, lasting a long time when 
cut. 
These massive, deliciously fragrant flowers 
open pale yellow, fading to a creamy white of 
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