flattened at the top, from which the leaves issue. Leaves large, 
ample, floating, nearly orbicular, peltate, glabrous, with a deep 
very narrow sinus, reaching nearly to the insertion of the petiole, 
deeply and irregularly toothed, or almost  sinuato-lobate at the 
margin, lobes or teeth very irregular, those at the sinus the 
longest and sharpest; the colour is purplish-green above, dark 
purplish-red below, on both sides reticulated with nerves, the 
nerves prominent and pale beneath, and on both sides marked 
with numerous, linear, black dots or short lines, radiating from 
the centre, more copious and larger towards the apex of the 
lobes. The flowers rise above the water, and are white, larger 
than those of our own WV. alba. Sepals four, ovato-lanceolate, 
pale yellow-green, sprinkled with brown linear dots, outer petals 
subsepaloid, all of them lanceolate, obtuse, the interior a little 
smaller. Stamens numerous, yellow. Filaments short, awl- 
shaped; outer anthers very long, spreading ; inner ones forming 
a cone over the many-rayed stigma. W. J. H. 
Curr. A tropical perennial aquatic, furnished with tuberous 
roots, that lie dormant in the muddy soil, during the dry season, 
and start into growth on being overflowed with water. In cul- 
tivating this plant the tubers should, early in the spring, be taken 
out of the last year’s soil, and repotted in fresh pure loam, 
immersing the pots in water to the depth of about an inch be- 
low the surface of the pot. Where there is not the advantage 
of a proper tropical aquarium to grow them in, large pans 
or shallow tubs may be used, placed in a temperature of 65° 
to 75°, fully exposed to the sun. As the leaves increase in 
size, sufficient room must be given to allow them to float freely 
on the surface of the water ; for if they become overcrowded the 
under ones soon decay, which affect the others. Care is also 
requisite to keep the leaves free from Conferva ; and to assist in 
doing so a portion of the water should be drawn off every day, 
and fresh water added. Towards the end of autumn the leaves 
begin to decay : the water should then be gradually withdrawn, 
allowing only sufficient. to keep the soil in a state of mud during 
winter ; at the same time lowering the temperature of the house, 
which, on an average, may be kept about 60°. J. S. 
Fig. 1. Section of the ovary :—natural size. 
