2G0 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



class of plants. To grow them successfully, they should have twelve 

 or fifteen inches of water above the surface • of the soil. An in- 

 verted bell-glass, placed in a large pot, makes a capital aquarium to 

 grow them in, and is quite as suitable as the most expensive affair 

 that could be manufactured. But the circular aquariums are 

 stronger, and have a better appearance, and are therefore preferable ; 

 the square aquariums would answer perfectly, but they are expen- 

 sive, and it will be better to say nothing about them, further than 

 to indicate their suitability for the purpose. If a circular aquarium 

 is employed, one eighteen or twenty inches in diameter would be 

 the best size, and then there will be no difficulty in providing the 

 proper depth of water. These plants can be grown either planted 

 out in a bed of soil placed in the bottom of the glass, or in pots 

 stood on a bed of small gravel or pebble-stones in the bottom. 

 Planting them out is preferable ; but the difference between grow- 

 ing them turned out and in pots is so very slight, that the directions 

 will apply with equal effect to both methods. 



In preparing the aquarium for the plants, place a layer of crocks 

 in the bottom to a depth of about four inches in the deepest part, 

 and on the crocks place the compost for the roots to run in. This 

 should consist of good fibry loam and peat, plentifully mixed with 



Ovihandra fenestealis. (Complete Plant.) 



broken crocks and silver sand, thoroughly incorporated together 

 and used in a rough lumpy condition. Prom four to six inches is a 

 good depth of soil, regulating it according to size of the plants and 

 glass. When the plants are placed in position, the soil should be 

 filled in about the roots and pressed very firm. When this part of 

 the work is finished the soil should have a good soaking of water, 

 through a fine rose, to settle it properly, and clear the foliage of any 

 particles of soil adhering to it. The aquarium can then be filled 

 with rain water, which should range in temperature from 70" to 

 80° ; 75° being a safe medium. As it is desirable to do this with- 

 out disturbing the soil, and malting the water muddy, do it carefully, 

 for the sediment which settles on the leaves will not contribute to the 

 health of the plant. To pour in the water without disturbing the 

 soil at the bottom, place a saucer in the glass, and then stand a 

 flower-pot in the saucer, into which the water should be poured 



