CHAPTER TWO 



S/2 



Aquatic Plants 



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Whether aquaria are kept for scientific study or for the enjoyment 

 of the beautiful, aquatic plants will always be found a useful, if not 

 indispensable, adjunct. The fact that plants give off oxygen under the 

 influence of light has been mentioned at several other places in this 

 volume. 



That the roots of healthy aquatic plants absorb the products of 

 decomposition in the bottom of the aquarium is an established fact. 

 When an aquarium has been established for some time, the sand has 

 become a little dirty and the plants have spread so that the roots of 

 some are against the glass, a close observation will show a condition 

 similar to that pictured in Figure 12. The sand near the roots is dis- 

 tinctly whiter than that beyond their reach. 



No arguments need be put forward 

 to establish the aesthetic value of plant 

 life in the household aquarium or the 

 pool in summer. So well understood is 

 the value of aquatic plants that aquarists 

 are constantly on the lookout for any- 

 thing new which might enhance the 

 beautiful results already achieved. Occa- 

 sionally something of real merit is found. 

 We are pleased to be able to list several 

 of these newer species here, together with 

 the better-known favorites. Only those 

 plants having been proven satisfactory 

 are described, but naturally in such a large range it will be found that 

 the same conditions are not suited to all. 



Readers of former editions of this work have made many inquiries 

 as to where some of the more unusual plants can be obtained commer- 

 cially. Dealers have complained that they are unable to secure several 

 of the plants listed, which makes their firms appear at a disadvantage 



Fig. 12. 

 Absorption by Plant Roots 



