xv.] M. MARLIAC'S HYBRIDS 185 



by an annual clearing out. Planting in boxes facilitates 

 such an arrangement. Where there is no stream or pond 

 available a broad tub may be sunk 3 feet or so in the 

 ground, or better still, a cement or concrete tank con- 

 structed, half filled with soil and the rest with water. 

 It is well always, if possible, to arrange that there shall 

 be 12 or 1 8 inches of water to cover the crowns in winter, 

 so that they shall be safe from frost. 



The white Water-lily {Nymphcea Alba) is a hardy 

 native, and blooms in May and June. There are several 

 varieties, and there is also a pretty pink form called 

 Rosea. N. Tuberosa is a North American sort, with fleshy 

 tuberous masses of roots ; it blossoms during the later 

 summer and autumn. 



Another North American plant is the sweet Water- 

 lily (N. Odorata) ; there are several varieties, with lovely 

 shades of yellow and carmine. N. Pygmcea is the smallest 

 of the Water-lilies, and comes from Siberia and China ; 

 it is the earliest to flower, and continues longest in bloom. 

 Of late years Monsieur Marliac has raised some very 

 lovely hardy sorts hybrids (some are gems of beauty, 

 the leaves and blossoms equally graceful and attractive); 

 many of them are quite within the limits of the average 

 gardener's means. 



It is well worth our while to give some attention to 

 this beautiful family of plants whenever we visit the 

 gardens at Kew, Glasnevin, or Ball's Bridge ; and certainly 

 in a small way some of us may make a beginning by culti- 

 vating such Water-lilies as can be easily obtained. 



