The commonest, quickest and best way to increase lilies is through the small bulbs which grow round the base of the parent. These may be removed when the bulbs are lifted and planted at once. They will flower in one or two years. Before we leave the question of the cultivation of lilies, we will refer to two or three constituents of the soil, the presence of which is by some authors described as imperative, by others as injurious. [Illustration: _L. Neilghervense._ _L. Philippense._ _L. Nepalense._ _L. Parryi._ _L. Washingtonianum._ _L. Alexandræ._ _L. Longiflorum._ LILIES OF THE EULIRION GROUP.] Peat is absolutely necessary to _L. Superbum_, _L. Canadense_, _L. Roezlii_, _L. Philadelphicum_, _L. Pardalinum_, _L. Parryi_, and some others. Even those lilies to which peat is not a necessity, are yet benefited by its presence in the soil. This is notably the case with _L. Auratum_, _L. Speciosum_ and _L. Longiflorum_. _L. Candidum_, _L. Testaceum_ and most of the Martagons dislike peat. To _L. Szovitzianum_ and the other varieties of _L. Monadelphum_ peat seems to be positively injurious. It has long been a moot point whether lilies should or should not have manure administered to them. Here, as elsewhere, we will give our own experience of the matter. Most lilies appreciate manure if it is not too strong or moist. Manure which is likely to turn the earth sour is fatal to lilies. The remains of a hot-bed is the best possible kind of manure to give to lilies. Place a little of the manure below the bulb and a little above it, but do not let it come within two inches of the bulb. The bulbs will rot if manure is placed near them. Some lilies like a chalky soil, others show distinct aversion to it. The swamp lilies and others which like peat object to lime in the soil. _L. Candidum_ and _Monadelphum_ apparently require a considerable quantity of lime. All lilies require sand. Sand should be placed round and below each bulb and should also be mixed with the earth in which the lilies are planted. Clean, sharp river sand is the best to use, but sea sand or clean silver sand may be used. Sand is used for the triple purpose of attracting moisture, preventing stagnation, and rendering the soil permeable. The leaf mould most suitable for lilies is that formed from decayed oak or beech leaves. Clay is prejudicial to most lilies, but in very dry, sandy soil lumps of clay may be placed about the lily bed. _L. Auratum_ likes a small quantity of clay in the soil. We have finished our remarks on the cultivation of the lily, and will now glance into the æsthetic side of these noble flowers.