
AQUATIC PLANTS OF FRESHWATER 
and 20 inches in length, having a tufted stem from a single root. The 
jointed capillary leaves are often 11% to 2 inches long and form in whorls 
of 8 to 11. Quite common throughout America 
on a sandy soil in shallow ponds and streams. 
This plant is sometimes mistaken for Cerato- 
phyllum, but does not form the thick branch- 
ing clusters of the latter plant. 
Chara gymnopus (A. Br.) or Elegant Chara 
is a slender hairy-stemmed plant growing to a 
length of 2 feet in deep water and having the 
verticils of many-celled capillary leaves sur- 
rounded by a whorl of stipules. Each leaf 
usually bears three spores. This beautiful 
species is not uncommon, new localities coming 
constantly into notice. 
Chara crinita (Wallr.) or Crumpled Chara 
somewhat resembles NV. tenuissima and has 
rigid and erect stems and densely clustered, 
fascicled hairlike leaves. The tiny spores form 
in the axils of the leaves. Usually grows to 
a height of 6 to 12 inches. It occurs more 
usually in brackish water in the Eastern States, 
notably in Massachusetts and New York. 
ae eae ree Nitella gracilis is a fine aquarium plant but 
Redheed:gne.chird: thrives so abundantly that it forms dense 
masses impenetrable to fishes and snails. When introduced, it should 
be kept down by frequently removing the excess growth. It is a good 
oxygenator, as are all the vigorously growing submerged aquatics. The 
Charas do not grow as well in the aquarium as the Nitellas. 
No other aquatics so plainly show the activity of plants in liberating 
oxygen as this group, particularly Nitella.) When the growth is dense in 
strong sunlight, the oxygen bubbles form on the stems and leaves like 
suspended clusters of tiny pearls or slender strings of transparent glass 
beads; and when undisturbed, the plants appear as though hung with 
jewels. It has been observed that the Paradise-fish seems to prefer this 
oxygen to breathing the air and will occupy itself for hours in taking them 
into the mouth for gill absorption. 
Together with the Nitellas, Conferve and other large Alge are 
usually introduced into the aquarium, the principal of these being the so- 
called Frog-spittle, Nostocs and Zygneme, hereafter more fully described. 
These seem rather to be associated with the Characee than parasitic, and 

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