THE pancratium lily is one of the most useful of all the lily family for an amateur to grow. It is of the easiest culture ; is not at all particular about having the choicest place in the room or greenhouse, and appears to grow equally well in almost any kind of soil. I have seen large clumps of it four or five feet in diameter, and as much in height, in the gardens in Florida, where the soil was apparently nothing but sand. Plants for greenhouse decoration appear to give most satisfaction when grown in sandy loam, with about one-third peat, and always plenty of drainage. When growing, they require abundance of water, and a tropical heat, if it can be given them, although an ordinary greenhouse temperature will answer nearly as well, and the flowers will last longer than if grown in a higher temperature. The fragrance is delicious, something like that of the lily of the valley. The individual flowers do not last long but from a large plant a succession of flower-stems is produced, which prolong its season of flowering for some weeks. In appearance, the plant is very much like some of the crinums. They can be partially dried or rested, the same as many others of the lily family.

They all respond very readily to good treatment, and will amply repay the Same attention usually accorded to the Eucharis Ama-zonica. The species well worth growing are P. verecundum, P. maritimum and P. Illyricum for a cool greenhouse. Samuel Henshaw.

Pancratium are among the old plants undergoing a revival of popularity. Once so common as to give way to newer things, they are comparatively unknown to the present generation of plant growers, who, in turn, are just beginning to admire them for their great beauty.

Pancratiums and hymenocallis are two genera so nearly allied that for garden purposes they are synonymous. They are mostly natives of regions bordering on the tropics, and such kinds require greenhouse cultivation ; but there are several kinds that flourish in the open ground wherever it does not freeze much below the surface. In some of the old gardens in our southern states delightful clumps of them flourish to perfection. We are told that the plant is abundant in the gardens of the " Hermitage," Gen. Andrew Jackson's residence, and is there known as the "August Lily," from its time of blooming. The species is probably Pancratium rotatum (Hymenocatlisrotata), which is described as flourishing in the open air from Texas to Tennessee, and in all the southern sea-board and Gulf states. Never have we seen a more beautiful sight than once when we came suddenly to a small, wet prairie in Florida that was dotted with these " Fairy Lilies"* as thick as the field in our national flag is starred with the representatives of the states.

It has a greater number of names than any other plant we can recall. Besides those already given, it is known, in common with other pancratiums, throughout the south as "Spider Lily," and its trembling flowers, stirred by a gentle motion, are suggestive of an uncanny insect; but its delicate texture and pure-white flowers make "Spirit Lily" a more pleasing name to many. Some people call it "Tape Lily" from the tape-like extensions of the corolla. It is found along the lines of railroads, probably from its being able to increase in the disturbed soil, and so has become known as the "Railroad" Lily." Who but a "cracker" could have dubbed it "Grow Pizen" ? Still, we never knew of its being harmful to any of the feathered tribes.

For some time after opening, the ray-like formations of this species attached to the cup of the corolla extend perfectly straight.

Pancratium rotatum generally opens in the evening. The divisions of the perianth open first along the middle portion, gradually parting towards the tip, and at last, as soon as detached, instantly snap away from each other, outwardly, like so many springs. One must watch closely to see them open, the motion is so rapid. They are apparently easily grown. The height of this species is from one to two feet, and, like most of the pancratiums, its pure white, flowers yield a delicate and refreshing perfume, said to be especially pleasing to invalids.

Pancratiums are anion*; the plants that flourish by being left alone when once established. In the open air, most kinds will form large clumps and bloom abundantly. The less repotting they get, the better they thrive until they become so crowded that they must be removed into larger pots. Then carefully cut away the dead roots. They like a light situation and sandy soil.

Pancratium amchnum.

For pot plants, loam and peat or decayed leaf soil, with plenty of sand, are good. They enjoy moisture, and, even when resting, should not be allowed to become dry; drainage, however, should be secured.

P. Illyricum is hardy in many parts of England, and doubtless can be established in many places in our own land. P. maritimum, which comes from the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, is already at home here, and is commonly known as " Sea Daffodil." Our picture of Pancratium amae-num was made from one which at one time bore 20 spikes of bloom, aggregating 212 flowers. Of these, 130 had been picked off when the photograph was taken. D. W.

*The name "Fairy Lily" is also given to the Zephyranthes.