==Lilium lancifolium.==—­A graceful and highly perfumed Lily, which is perfectly hardy, and will grow in good loam, though peat is to be preferred for pot culture.  To produce handsome specimens the same routine must be followed as directed for the cultivation of =L. auratum=.  It scarcely need be added that, instead of growing the bulbs separately in pots, several may be grown in a large pot to produce a richer effect.  But it is not advisable to place the bulbs in a large mass of earth in the first instance.  It is better that they should commence their growth in small pots, and be shifted on as they require more room.  Aphis is extremely partial to these Lilies, particularly if they are badly grown and allowed to suffer for the want of water.  The simplest way to remove the pest is to dip the plants in pure water, taking care, of course, to prevent them from falling out of the pots in the operation.

==Lily of the Valley.==—­The popular name of this native plant is a misnomer.  Botanically it is known as =Convallaria majalis=, and structurally the roots differ from those which are characteristic of the whole tribe of Liliums.  However, we have no quarrel with a charming name for a most dainty flower of fairy-like proportions.  The sprays of pure white pendulous bells have captivated the popular fancy, and they are in public demand from the moment florists are able to place them on the market.

Whether for early or late spring forcing, or for planting in the open ground, the most vigorous strain should be chosen, and there is one which is incomparably superior to all others, producing finer spikes and larger individual flowers.  As a rule these roots are obtainable in November, but, if necessary, it is far better to wait a week or two than attempt to force such as have been lifted prematurely.

The crowns may be potted, and where few are grown this is the usual course.  The large growers pack them in boxes, with a little fine soil, and cover the tops with about four inches of cocoa-nut fibre.  For the earliest supply a temperature of 90 deg. is necessary, accompanied with plenty of moisture.  After the spikes of bloom show, slightly reduce the temperature, and remove the fibre to afford the leaves an opportunity of maturing.  When sufficiently advanced transfer the plants to pots for the conservatory or the decoration of windows.  Successive supplies can be brought forward with less heat.

In the open, Lily of the Valley require a partially shaded position.  The soil must be freely manured, and a good proportion of leaf-mould worked in.  Plant single crowns at a distance of six inches from each other, and supply them with liquid manure during the growing period.  After four, or at most five years, they will become too crowded, when they should be lifted, and the largest and finest crowns be selected for the formation of a fresh bed.