302 THE GARDENER. [Aug. 



I think this difficulty is got over as far as it can be got over without 

 a real running stream, by keeping the plants in pots near the surface, 

 where they can be washed daily when changing the water. A pot of 

 water should be placed on the hot-water pipes, or elsewhere, to get 

 heated every night ; and at the usual time of watering other plants, 

 empty the contents of this pot into the aquarium with some force on 

 the leaves through a coarse rose. The aquarium should be set quite 

 level, so that it may overflow all round. This mode of introducing 

 the water keeps the leaves as clean as could be desired, and it never dis- 

 turbs any sediment that may rest at the bottom so as to spoil the purity 

 of the water. Further than this daily change of water, little attention 

 is needed. Should any conferva make its appearance, the plants 

 should be lifted out, and the aquarium emptied, thoroughly cleaned, 

 and refilled with fresh water at once. The plants will be benefited 

 by being occasionally lifted out and watered overhead, the same as 

 directed to be done after potting, as the soil sometimes gets rather 

 loose round the collar of the plants ; but this is not necessary so long 

 as the leaves are kept clean. 



In conclusion, although I have recommended the plants to be kept 

 near the surface of the water, I at the same time caution beginners 

 not to attempt to grow them in shallow water. We are told that they 

 grow in shallow water in their native habitat ; but we must bear in 

 mind that we have not got a continued circulation of fresh water pass- 

 ing amongst their leaves and roots from which they can derive a con- 

 tinual supply of food. The greater the body of water, the better are 

 the chances of success with the plant. R. J. G. P. 



NEW SPOTTED FOXGLOVES. 



One of the best additions made to our hardy herbaceous border-flowers 

 during the past few years is the fine spotted varieties of Digitalis pur- 

 purea, sent out three years ago by Messrs Ivery & Son, Dorking. I saw 

 a collection of spikes, exhibited by this well-known nursery firm, at one 

 of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensing- 

 ton; and so fine were they, that they attracted crowds of admirers 

 about them. From a packet of seed I succeeded in raising a good 

 number of plants, varied in character and finely marked, and for the 

 last six weeks they have been much admired in these gardens; and the 

 freedom with which they throw out lateral blooming shoots, promises 

 that they will continue in bloom for some time to come. 



Their undoubted value as decorative border-plants has induced me to 



