HA TIB Y AQUATICS. 77 



* * PLANTS EMERGING SOME DISTANCE. 



We have included so many of these in the previous group, that only the tallest remain to be 

 noticed. Their flowers are less ornamental than those of the preceding group, but the stately 

 growth and waving foliage of most, renders them indispensable to any collection of aquatics. 



Arundo Donax. (Cane or Heed.)— This is a noble species, much more desirable than the common 

 reed (A. Phragmites). It grows from ten to twelve feet high, and produces a large plume-like 

 panicle of purplish flowers. It should be planted in two feet of water, for the root will suffer from 

 frost. There is a very pretty variety with striped foliage and rather dwarfer habit, which should 

 also be grown. 



The Bull-rush (Scirpus lacustris) is an effective plant when its flower spikes are Ml grown, and 

 the S. trigueter is also desirable ; both are common enough. 



The genus Carez, or Sedge, offers a few species worth cultivating, such as the C. acuta, 

 eyperoides, panieulata, pendula, provincialis, and Pseudo-cyperus, which all occur wild ; the latter 

 species is very elegant. 



The Bur-reed (Sparganium ramosum) offers a little variety in the spherical form of its flower 

 heads ; and the Cats-tail (Typha latifolia) may be added where a large selection is required. 



The Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) is common in many parts of England, and deserves to be 

 grown for its curious spike of flowers, which are, however, not often produced ; the Yellow Water 

 Iris (I. Pseud- acoris) is handsome, and flowers abundantly. 



Houttuynia cordata. — A Japanese plant, sometimes termed Polygonum cuspidatum, with heart- 

 shaped leaves, and flowers produced from a white petaloid spathe or involucre. Height about two 

 feet, and therefore suitable for the margin. The annual Polygonum orientale produces an exceedingly 

 good effect planted near the edge, or even in two feet of water, as its stems attain a height of six or 

 eight feet. It should be raised from seed early in spring, and planted out in May or June. 



The Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and its variety, roseum superlum, are fine plants for the 

 margin of a piece of water ; the latter especially should be obtained ; it may be had of most Florists, 

 or can be raised from seed, which is also procurable. As a picturesque object, we may also name 

 the common Teazle (Dipsacus Fullonum). 



The Eieraclium giganteum likes a moist soil, and although we have not tried the experiment, 

 •we have little doubt but it would answer as an aquatic, and would reach an extraordinary height. 



In addition to these there are several dwarf plants of an interesting character, suited for the 

 border or bank of a pond, such as the Forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris), the Lysimachia Num- 

 mularia, the Parnassia palustris, and P. caroliniana ; those>ery curious and interesting plants, 

 the Ping idrula vulgaris and P. grandijiora, and the Utricularia vulgaris; this last requires to be 

 planted in water, the others on the bank, a little above the level of the pond. 



Did our space allow it, we might extend this list, but a sufficient number of plants has been 

 named for a piece of water of some extent, and a collection of these only would form an exceeding 

 attractive spectacle. We may, however, add that where a border can be made round the pond, 

 many of the ordinary garden plants will grow luxuriantly, especially the common Hydrangea, the 

 Phloxes, many of the Gentians, Statices, and above all the scarlet Lobelias, which in such a situation 

 will present a magnificent appearance, from the amount of fluid nourishment they will obtain ; 

 they will, however, require to be removed in autumn. 



Nearly all the indigenous plants named in the foregoing list may be readily obtained in most 

 localities. The exotics are, many of them, kept by the London Florists ; Messrs. Henderson of 

 the Pine Apple Nursery, Edgeware Road, and Mr. Stark of Edgehill Nursery, Edinburgh, will be 

 able to supply nearly all we have named, as well as the indigenous species. 



