FLOWERING OF THE VICTORIA REGIA. 



flower has reached its climax. The disk, which first appears quite smooth 

 and flat, becomes in a very short time perpendicular petalus looking anthers, 

 surrounded by others of crimson, embosomed in pure white. Thus it floats 

 in its glory through the night, declines as the rays of light approach the suc- 

 ceeding morn, and ultimately sinks into the element from whence it arose so 

 noble and grand. 

 22. 29th leaf appeared; not matured. 

 31. 30th do do 



Sept. 6. 31st do do 



Sept. 8. "We hare now in flower the fourth bud, and two others are seen under the 

 water. The flowers, (one of which measured 17 inches in diameter,) are produced at the 

 base of the leaves, which induces us to believe that as long as the plant continues to fur- 

 nish new leaves, so long may we expect flowers. At the present time appearances are al- 

 together very promising. There are seven leaves on the plant, some of them measuring 

 nearly twenty feet in circumference, and a weekly succession of flower buds. 



You will observe that on the 24th day of May the lily was planted in the large tank. 

 From that time up to the 20th of June, fire heat was applied in the evening only. Dur- 

 ing this period the thermometer ranged on an average at about 85°. On the 21st of June 

 fire heat was dispensed with, and has not been applied since. The tank had been well 

 prepared for the reception of the plant — first, by the bottom being covered with charcoal 

 and pieces of brick, to the depth of two or three inches, and then half a dozen two-horse 

 cart loads of chared loam and leaf mold placed therein in the form of a mound. I would 

 here remark that good loam alone is sufiicient for the plant. A difierent ingredient was 

 adopted in this, our first essay, as a similar compost was found successful in England. 

 Some material departures from the custom there observed, have been indicated as politic 

 in the process of our experiments. 



In reference to the temperature of water in the tank, after artificial heat was dispensed 

 with, it has, of course, varied materially, being sometimes as low as 70°, and rising to 

 83°. To prevent the injurious effects of the direct rays of the sun, the glass of the house 

 is frosted with sugar of lead ground in oil. The house is generally kept very close. 

 Fresh water is freel}'^ admitted during the day, but none at night. From the lily house, 

 the water flows into a basin in the kitchen garden, where one of the plants of the Victoria 

 was placed on the 25th day of June; it had then five leaves on, the largest measuring 

 fourteen and a half inches. The plant has made a slow growth, compared to its more favor- 

 ed companion in the aquarium, but it has nevertheless flourished, and its largest leaf now 

 measures 3 feet nine inches in diameter. We do not doubt our ability to grow it success- 

 fully in this position next season, when the alterations proposed to be made in the con- 

 struction of the basin, shall have been efiected. 



Under the influence of solar heat alone, the plant has made wonderful progress, and I 

 think its beauty and luxuriance cannot be excelled in any part of the world. We can 

 easily appreciate the admiration and delight of the enterprising Dorbignt and Shom- 

 BURGn,on their discovering this vegetable phenomenon, so gigantic in its appearance, unique 

 in its formation, and deeply interesting in its development. When we contrast the seed 

 in its first state of germination, and by an acute observation perceive its feeble cotyledon, 

 like a thread, endeavoring to reach the water's surface, but unable — with its colossal leaves, 

 between six and .seven feet in diameter, well may Ave call it a " Vegetable Wonder," and 

 the " Queen of Aquatics." We hail with delight the promised leaf, and watch its 

 unfoldings with increasing interest. When we view its shell-like appearance when 



