New-York tribune., 1900-04-15

being performed by negroes. and by hano ohnce
1878 the cultivation Of the blossom mas 'hcreaSe0
yearly.
Professor c. L. Bristol has stated that the
growth of the Industry was largely attributable 10
the efforts of Mrs. George Russell Hastings niece
of ex-President Hayes. who planted some puios
and finding that they took kindly to the thln rlch
soil Of the island, encouraged the farmers 10 raSe
lilies as we'll as vegetables
The liy industry has two branches; one the rails
ing of bulbs and the other the raising or puds 1or
shipment to firms In various localities. Inc eA-
pertinent stations OF the United States are en-
deavoring ascertain If the lily industry can De
made successful and profitable In those states
where mild weather prevails, and the florists and
growers eagerly waiting results ShouIo the
results prove encouraging new American IN
dustry with great possibilities would open up, and
1t has been said that here would be another oppor-
tunity for the indefatigabe of to-day to en-
gage in occupation both pleasing and profitable
The lily fields of Bermuda form some of the most
attractive sights of that pleasant spot yet strange
to say. many natives strongly object to the ira
GRANGE of the blossoms.
You discern the fragrance of lily field
mile off," said native the other day. II don't
know of any perfume dislike much as that of
the lily, and you will find that many other persons
born in Bermuda feel the way. You see.
less you live there all the year round. with that
heavy. overpowerng perfume permeating the air,
It is impossible to realize how tired you become of
it, and the fragrance of bunch of lilies decatey
from the oyerpowering fragrance exhaled by field
blossoms thirty forty in extent.
This industry is said to be much more profitable
than raising potatoes, onions fruits
of lilies will bring three four times the revenue
to be obtained from an acre of onions. although a
crop OF vegetables can be raised at any time
throughout the year In this land of perpetual
spring.
Certain rules prevail regarding the growth that
and it usually requires three years to bring the
to the @ size oece6 T1 9 for ship
July and carefully packed in dry sand to insure
when required.
SENDING LILIES NORTH
The fields of blossoms attain their perfection dur
Ing the early part Of April continuing to the
land with white blooms for six weeks longer.
The wharf from which a steamer starts for New
York twice week is the scene of great activity.
Cold storage accommodations provided for the
buds which carefully packed in boxes with
layers of damp moss ferns. in addition to tissue
paper, which protects the buds from cracks
breaks the white surface All the work must be
got through with almost incredible swiftness. 1t
is done the day before the steamer sails, in order
to avoid keeping the flowers packed longer than
short time before the hour set for sailing. and
being too late to o. pack tn the n $50 viii stack
and trust to luck for their safe arrival @ Not in
The lilly seems to have Inspired sentimental re-
the Egyptians considered symbolical of i'm
mortality and pure affection. 1t was also regarded
sacred to Juno. and is looked upon the
special flower sacred to Mary the mother of Christ
In the language of flowers it is considered emblem
Immortality, because when seemingly dead
the bulb still possesses the power to bloom again.
Majesty. purity and sweetness are also attributed
to this flower, and many pretty legends connect it
with the dawn of the first Easter morning 1t is
esteemed as typifyng humanity saved and
deemed by Christ When dawn broke in the east
on the third day after the crucifxon an absolute
stiffness pervaded the EARTH so the legend runs,
and moved by unseen hands the stone that had
been sealed before the sepulchre of the last resting
place moved slowly aside the first of the
rising fell upon the tomb From its dark re
cesses the risen Christ stepped forth. and as His
feet marked by the nail prints touched the ground
an Easter lily burst into bloom on the sod He had
touched. AS He stepped forward away from the
tomb Easter lilies sprang up wherever His touch or
glance had rested covering the earth with their
bloom to greet the risen Lord.