The 'cloves' are the individual scales of the bulb and they can be used to propagate the lilies (see link below).

A bulb in good condition shouldn't just fall apart however. If they did, it may indicate basal rot - usually due to a problem with drainage - is present. If that's the case, cut off any soft and dicoloured parts of the scales before dusting with a fungicide - with luck you'll still get bulblets forming on them.

Good Luck

Here is a link that might be useful: Scaling

Thanks Kayman,
I believe the scales came off as a result of the lifting. Most of the scales on the bulbs were attached pretty well.
Do you think Zone 3 is too much for these lilies?
I planted some of the bulbs into Zone 3 and the rest into Zone 4.

Rick

Not something I can usefully comment on from zone 8/9 in Tasmania. Someone else should be able help though.