AMONG THE WILD FLOWERS. 209 
Three species of Veronica, Speedwell, grow 
in brooks or streams—V. Leccabunga, Brook- 
lime, with broad dark shining leaves, and 
racemes of small bright blue flowers; V. Axa- 
gallis, Great Water Speedwell, with long nar- 
row leaves and pale purple flowers in opposite 
racemes; and V. scutellata, Marsh Speedwell, 
with flesh-coloured flowers, and flat roundish 
capsules; these Water Speedwells contrast 
strongly in habit with the other species grow- 
ing in dry places. 
The numerous genus Potamogeton, Pond- 
weed, 24 species, are occupants of rivers, ponds 
and ditches. They largely form the sub- 
aqueous plantations amid which the finny 
creatures and varied animal life of the water 
disport themselves and find their sustenance. 
The genus is a study in itself, and little would 
be gained by general description without 
minute technical examination of specimens. 
The plants have usually a dark bronze- 
green look almost like Sea-weed, quivering 
in the current of the deep and rapid stream, 
with spikes of greenish flowers an inch or 
two long slightly elevated above the surface 
of the water. Their perianth—for there is no 
O 
