it is surprising how well they stand out in the open
garden. For beauty and effect this Lily is incomparable (see Fig. 59).

[Illustration: FIG. 59. LILIUM AURATUM.

(One-half natural size.)]

Much has been said about its culture, far more than need be put into
practice. I have found the observance of three simple rules sufficient
in order to have it in fine bloom year after year: First, begin with
good sound bulbs, not over large. Second, plant them 9in. deep in sandy
soil, and a moist situation, surrounding each bulb with half-a-spadeful
of fine charcoal, which protects them from rot, canker, and (what I
believe to be the chief cause of failure) the wireworm. Third, grow them
where they will be sheltered from high winds; otherwise their long and
top-heavy stems become wrenched, and the upper roots, above the bulbs,
so torn that the current season's bloom is more or less damaged and root
development checked.

To put my simple method of growing this Lily in a plainer way, I may
state that my garden is naturally well drained, has light soil, and a
south aspect. Under a west wall I planted small bulbs in the manner
already stated, and though I have often seen this Lily nearly twice as
tall as ever I grew it, I have not any cause to complain about the
quantity of bloom. I never either water or put down stakes as supports.
If the situation is moist no water is needed, and it is next to
impossible to send down stakes without coming in contact with the large
bulbs. Doubtless a few good waterings with liquid manure would be an
advantage, but where _L. auratum_ is esteemed as satisfactory with short
stems, this need not be given.

When once a clump or batch of this Lily has become established, it
should not be disturbed for several years, when, if the stems are
becoming too rank to allow them to wave without damaging each other's
flowers, or if there are many young unflowered stems, they may
profitably be dug out in a careful manner when the bulbs have ripened,
which will be the case when the tops have become thoroughly dry; there
will then be found to be numbers of nice clean young bulbs, which, with
a year's extra patience, will probably form a more vigorous batch than
the parent one. Such bulbs are properly called "home grown."

Flowering period, September to November.

Linum Flavum.

YELLOW FLAX; _Nat. Ord._ LINACEAE.

This handsome shrub-like Flax comes from Austria, and is a comparatively
new species i