AQUATIC PLANTS 39 



grows yellow at the old end it should be lifted out, pinching off the yellow 

 and replanting the fresh green portion. 



Anacharis under suitable conditions no doubt lives up to its reputa- 

 tion as a wonderful oxygenator. It is happiest in an open pond in 

 Summer with a moderate amount of direct sun. Indoors it needs an 

 abundance of light. Placed in the aquarium in Autumn it quickly finds 

 itself at home and continues growth, but gradually becomes spindly and 

 degenerates in size. By Spring it is in need of another vacation out 

 doors, preferably where its roots may take hold in dirt. On the whole 

 we would say that the merits of Anacharis as an aquarium plant are over- 

 rated. As a pond plant, and when under control so as not to overrun 

 the place, it is a brilliant success. To be had of dealers generally. 



MYRIOPHYLLUM 



Here we have another plant which at first looks well in the aquarium, 

 but which deteriorates. It has, however, a strong redeeming feature, the 

 very finely divided hair-like leaves being ideal for receiving the spawn of 

 goldfishes. For this purpose it has grown more and more into favor. It 

 is used either in the bunches as they are sold, or made into a spawning- 

 ring as shown on page 210. As a spawn-receiving plant it has one advan- 

 tage over Water Hyacinth in that the individual pieces may be spread 

 out so as to give all the eggs a similar amount of sun, whereas with 

 Hyacinth one side is usually much more protected than the other, making 

 the eggs hatch at different times. Before using Myriophyllum to spawn 

 on it should be well washed by moving it about in clear water, being 

 careful to remove all insects, snails and snail eggs. When hatching is 

 finished the plant might as well be thrown away, although if rooted in an 

 outdoor tank or pool it will grow beautifully. 



There are a number of generally distributed species throughout 

 America, all having the same general characteristics, but some are better 

 than others as "spawning grass" on account of closer and longer leaves, 

 Myriophyllum is popularly known as Water Milfoil. 



Myriophyllum verticillatum. This is the best American species and 

 is found in both shallow and deep ponds throughout the United States 

 and Lower Canada. Its leaves are dense and crowded, making an excel- 

 lent spawning plant. 



Myriophyllum proserpinacoides or Parrot's Feather is a partially sub- 

 merged form which should be allowed to creep on the surface of the 

 water, where its blue-green, feathery leaves display a charm exclusively 

 their own. Does well in the greenhouse or established on the edges of 

 partially shaded lakes, where it becomes very robust. 



