138 GARDENING FOR PLEASURE. 



Rirhardia ^thiojnca (''The Calla/*' or ''Lily of the 

 ^ile"). — This old and favorite plant can be made a 

 charming feature among the Water Lilies. The only 

 way we know for making it bloom m summer is to 

 keep the bulbs entirely dry and dormant during autumn 

 and winter. They can then be potted and grown as an 

 aquatic during summer. 



Papyrus A72tiquorum.— This is the true Egyptian 

 Paper Plant. From the snow-white pith of its triangu- 

 lar stalks the first paper was made. It grows five or six 

 feet high, and supports at the top a tufi of long, thread- 

 like leaves, which give the plant a graceful and striking 

 appearance. It grows finely in shallow water, with rich 

 soil or mud, and makes a splendid companion for flower- 

 ing aquatics. It will also flourish and make a fine clump 

 in the garden in ordinary soil. 



Cijperus AUernifolhcs.— This also will grow with its 

 roots submerged in water, its reedy stems, with tufted 

 heads, resembling miniature Palm trees. 



Cyperus Strictus.— This is like C. alternifolius, but 

 stiffer in outline. It grows to the hight of six or seven 

 feet, in rich soil and shallow water, and should be win- 

 tered in the greenhouse. 



FLOATING PLANTS. 



Pistia Stratiotes.—k very curious plant, which floats 

 upon the water, with its long, fibrous roots extending 

 downwards, but having no connection with the soil. It 

 forms a rosette of light green, velvety leaves, about six 

 inches across ; likes plenty of heat, and must be shaded 

 from the direct rays of the sun. It does finely in a tub of 

 water, placed in a vinery or greenhouse, in summer, or 

 in the open air, under a tree. It is sometimes called the 

 Water Lettuce. 



