MAT. 233 



feet, and in the course of forty days decay. At the point of 

 union of the petiole with the rhizoma, and from the under 

 side of the petiole, five or more roots push forth, soon branch- 

 ing into innumerable rootlets and fibres. On the decay of 

 the leaf, these die. Thus the leaves and the roots are con- 

 tinually dying out and renewing themselves, and when a 

 plant is favorably situated, with suitable soil, temperature, 

 water and sun-light, there seems to be no reason why it may 

 not be sustained in health, for an unlimited period. 



I think the seed raised under the full influence of the 

 American sun, will produce plants more beautiful, but less 

 able to withstand our northern winters. The past winter has 

 been one of great cold, but with the usual number of clear 

 days. On the 6th and 7th of February the mercury fell to 

 20° below zero in my garden. With a clear sky there was 

 no great damage done to the plants, the temperature of th^ 

 water being at about 70°. There was some injury from ice* 

 water falling from the roof, which at night would form tfeersi 

 from the steam rising from the tank and melting suddenly;, 

 when the sun's rays settled upon the house. On the^ morn- 

 ings of this severely cold weather, we would have snaalL snow- 

 storms, caused by the moisture condensing near the glass, 

 disappearing as soon as the sun came with any strength upon 

 the glass. Still, three plants survived ; had the weather been 

 cloudy, I have no idea that they would. 



We are pleased to present our readers so complete an ac- 

 count of the growth and blooming of this noble American 

 water lily, by Mr. Allen, who has taken so much interest in 

 its cultivation, and devoted so much time to a record of its 

 growth. Already we have given a: diary of the progress 

 of one of his plants, (Yol. XIX., p. 367,) by Mr. Allen, and. 

 with the information contained in the above article, those 

 who wish to cultivate it can be at no loss for the requisite 

 knowledge to success. 



If, however, they wish to know more, especially of the 

 history, introduction, &c. of this aquatic, they can purchase 



VOL. XXI. NO. v. 30 



