By far the most stately and handsome both as regards habit of growth and foliage, this noble Indian species is by no means deficient of that rich floral beauty so conspicuous in every member of the tribe to which it belongs.

On its first introduction to British gardens some thirty years ago, it created quite a sensation among horticulturists, and was soon widely distributed over the country. It is now, however, seldom met with in collections - a fact much to be regretted, as few plants are more effective in the midsummer decoration of the conservatory or lofty greenhouse.

Having drooping trumpet - shaped flowers, it is grouped in the Eulirion section of the genus. The stem rises to heights of from six to ten feet, the flowers being clustered at the top: they are of a fine waxy white colour, the interior delicately streaked with violet crimson, and most deliciously fragrant. The fine, broad, heart-shaped leaves at the base of the stem are a foot or more in length, becoming gradually smaller as they ascend: they are bright glossy green, and render the plant very attractive, apart altogether from the flowers. It is nearly hardy, and will withstand the rigours of an ordinary winter in the open border if protected with a mulching of a few inches of leaves or manure. The young foliage, however, is so tender and liable to suffer injury from the cold cutting winds and late frosts of spring, that pot-culture and the wintering of the plants in a cool house or cold frame are the most satisfactory practice, particularly for those that are intended for the conservatory. They are found to thrive well in turfy loam enriched with a liberal allowance of well-rotted stable-manure, with the addition of as much sharp sand and charcoal, not broken too small, as will render the compost sufficiently porous.

As the bulbs exhaust themselves in flowering, it is necessary to keep up a supply of succession plants, which are usually obtained in sufficient numbers in the form of offsets from the parent plants for the requirements of even a large establishment. They should be shifted into larger pots from time to time as they gather strength, taking care that the roots are mutilated in the operation as little as possible. Autumn is a very good time for shifting, but some prefer early spring, so soon as the bulbs begin to show their leaves. Such of them as give indications of throwing up flower-stalks should have extra large pots - not less than 12 or 14 inches in diameter. An abundant supply of water is essentially necessary for their wellbeing during the growing season, and they will be much benefited by an occasional supply of weak liquid-manure. No artificial heat is necessary at any stage of their growth. As much air as possible should always be allowed, and the plants should be fully exposed to the sun.

Hugh Fraser.