AQUATICS 119 



rower towards the centre, and passing into stamens. Accord- 

 ing to some authorities, this flower exhibits rather the trans- 

 formation of stamens into petals. Pistil, with a many-celled 

 ovary, whose rounded top bears radiate stigmas around a cen- 

 tral projection. The stem is hollow, long enough to bring 

 the blossom out of water. 



The flower opens in the morning and closes at night. 



This pure and beautiful water queen, with its ravishing fra- 

 grance, is everywhere a favorite. Its large, handsome leaves 

 make us think of smooth waters with green banks, and an idle 

 hour, perhaps, spent in a row-boat with a friend. Pity that such 

 nymphs should have acquired a commercial value, and that boys 

 with hot, perspiring hands should drag them about in the sun on 

 our city streets, and into the railway trains, for the few pennies 

 they will bring. 



" On the stream, whose inconstant bosom 

 Was prankt under boughs of embowering blossom. 

 Broad water-lilies lay tremulously. 

 And starry river-buds glimmered by, 

 With golden and green light slanting through 

 Their heaven, of many a tangled hue." 



Shelley. 



the water-lily 



" From the reek of the pond the lily 

 Has risen in raiment white, 

 A spirit of air and water, 

 A form of incarnate light. 

 Yet except for the rooted stem 

 That steadies her diadem, 

 Except for the earth she is nourished by, 

 Could the soul of the lily have climbed to the sky }" 



Lucy Larcom. 



7. Yellow Pond-lily 

 Niiphar advena. — Family, Water-lily. Color, yellow, or with 

 a purple tinge. Leaves, seldom submersed, more often float- 



