AQUATIC PLANTS 49 



Fontinalis gracilis is very much smaller and thread-like, the leaves 

 being so small as to appear like a roughness on the stem. In the aquarium 

 this plant seems to have a faculty of soon becoming covered with sedi- 

 ment. Indeed, some aquarists find it useful to clear the water. As soon 

 as the plant becomes well covered it is taken out, rinsed off and returned. 

 As the stems are strong, they stand this treatment. A stone containing 

 a thick bunch of Fontinalis gracilis is an attractive feature in the aquar- 

 ium. It is a slow grower. The new leaves are bright green, but soon 

 turn to a dark sage color. Not often obtainable commercially. 



HERPESTIS 



Herpestis amplexicaulis bears a general resemblance to Moneywort, 

 but in essential characteristics is quite different. It is a pure aquatic with 

 thick leaves and a stout stem. Native to the ponds of Southeastern United 

 States as far as Florida. It is one of the best of the recent additions to 

 aquarium plants. On account of being a slow grower, its introduction is 

 not likely to be rapid, but once established it does very well, holding its 

 bright green leaves a long time. When out of the water it has a faint, 

 pleasant odor. Being of Southern origin, it will prosper in the tempera- 

 ture of tropical aquaria where some plants will not do so well, although 

 it thrives in cool water also. Incorrectly known as Bacopa. Stocked in 

 season by larger dealers. 



CALLITRICHE 



Floating in small, cool streams throughout the United States and 

 Lower Canada, one will find patches of brilliant, light-green, small leaves. 

 Examination will show them to be the floating leaves of a long-stemmed 

 plant growing in the mud. These are various forms of Callitriche, or 

 Spring Starwort, sometimes also called Water Funnel. When the plant 

 is loosened we find it disappointing, for the lower leaves are thinner and 

 quite different in appearance. The stems are tangled and difficult to 

 disengage. 



Callitriche verna is the commonest form, as well as the most easily 

 established in the aquarium, but it shows to best advantage in shallow 

 tanks, where a top view can be had of the surface leaves. It should, 

 however, only be kept with tropical fishes unless it is intentionally given 

 to goldfishes to eat, as they are fond of it. The stems and roots when 

 taken are usually swarming with various aquatic insects and Crustacea. 

 Although many of these are fishfoods, it is best to rinse this and all other 

 plants before placing in the aquarium. 



