134 FLOWKRS OK LAKES, RIVKRS, ETC. 



The plain is dioecious, ami ihc lluvvers are erect, white, large, 

 with a yellow patch at ihc liasc, and yellow anthers. The petals are 

 delicate, inversely eg^-shaped. The (li)vvers spring in pairs from a 

 transparent membranous sheath at ihc base of the tlower-stalk. Erog- 

 bit, however, does not always flower, and seldom produces any seed. 



The tlovver-stems are 3-4 in. I'rogbit blooms in July and .\u;^ust. 

 It is a herbaceous perennial, propagated by division. 



The flowers arc dirtcions and produced on the surface. The 



Flioto. J j. Ward 



Krogbit (Hydrorharis »iorsiis.rti>iip, L. ' 



12 Stamens are partly withmit anthers (3-6). The anthers are fi.xed 

 by the base. The plant is usually pollinated by the wind, but is largely 

 propagated by bulbils, being stolon iferous. In winter it is kept alive 

 bv buds from the stolons or hibi-rnacula. Honey is also .secreted in 

 3 gl.mds in the crown of the ovary or base of the petals, and is half 

 concealed, but insects do not often visit the flower. 



Ripe fruit is almost unknown. The manner of opening is irregular, 

 and the small seeds are blown out from their lightness. But the plant 

 does not often produce fruit and sec^ds, as it seldom flowers. 



The plant is aquatic, being a member of the floating-leaf association. 



Two beetles, Galci-uca sagittarii and Doitacia nioiyanlhidis, are 



founc 



on It. 



