LILIES. 53 
obtained the number required. Having loaded my- 
self with leaves, flowers, and ripe seed-vessels, I next 
mused how they were to be conveyed in safety; and 
determined at length upon suspending them on long 
poles with small cords, tied to the stalks of the leaves 
and flowers. Two Indians, each taking on his shoul- 
der an end of the pole, carried them into the town; 
the poor creatures wondering all the while what 
could induce me to be at so much trouble to get at 
flowers, and for what purpose I destined them now 
they were in my possession.” 
The leaves of this plant are round, and vary con- 
siderably in size, the largest being about six feet in 
diameter. They float on the surface of the water, 
are of a light green color above, and bright purple 
below. The margins of the leaves are turned up- 
wards, giving them the appearance of floating dishes. 
The plant grows in four to six feet of water, producing 
leaves and flowers which rapidly decay and give place 
to others. From each plant there are seldom more 
than four or five leaves on the surface; but even 
these, in parts of the lakes where they grow most 
abundantly, almost cover the surface of the water, 
one leaf touching the other. The blossoms rise six 
and eight inches above the surface, expanding first 
in the evening, when they are pure white, changing 
finally to a beautiful pink or rose color; and several 
may be seen at the same time, partaking of every 
tinge between the two. The largest flowers measure 
about ten or twelve inches in diameter. 
Another very interesting and beautiful plant, simi- 
5* 
