152 WATER LILY. 



seeds, in which they may quickly germinate. 

 When this is done, a bulbous root, de- 

 scending from each little seed, fixes itself 

 in the soil or among the pebbles, and forth 

 from each, springs up a leaf-stalk, which 

 often rises to a considerable height from out 

 the bosom of deep waters. And thus, from 

 year to year, the lakes and rivers of this, 

 and other countries are beautifully varied 

 with the floating globules of the water-lily. 



That peerless lily to the hght 

 " Her chalice rears " of purest white ; 

 And bees, and many coloured things, 

 With dappled coats and glittering wings, 

 Unceasing hum the leaves among, 

 As if to swell the matin song 

 That rises now from vale and glen, 

 From warbling birds and grateful men. 

 Each little insect's world of care. 

 Perchance of visions, fond as fair, 



