Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries 295 



ornamental aquatics. The leaves of N. lutea are from 1 to 2 feet 

 in diameter. The flower measures f to 1 foot across. The capsular 

 fruit contains from 20 to 40 nut-like seeds. The plant in congenial 

 spots displaces nearly all other water- vegetation by the vigor of its 

 growth. 



Nelumbo nucifera, Gaertner.* (Nclumbium speciosum, Willdenow). 



The Pythagorean Bean or Sacred Lotus of the ancients. Egypt, 

 on the Caspian and Aral Seas (46 N.) ; Persia ; through India, 

 where in Cashmere it occurs up to 5,000 feet elevation ; China ; 

 Amur (46 N. ) ; Japan , Philippine- and Sunda-Islands ; New 

 Guinea ; tropical Australia as far south as 23. One of the largest 

 flowers in the world, with . Victoria Regia, Nymphsea gigantea, 

 some Magnolias, Paeonia, Liriodendron, Stapelea gigantea, some 

 Aristoloclrias and Rafnesia Arnoldi. The occurrence of this 

 grand plant at the Ima, at Pekin and at Astrachan proves 

 sufficiently, that we can naturalise it in moderately cool climes, as 

 has been done already by Marquis Ginoi at Doccia, near Florence, 

 The plant luxuriates even in New Jersey, where when once 

 established Mr. Sturtevant saw it retaining its vitality while dor- 

 mant through successive winters underneath ice 6 inches thick. 

 The Nelumbo requires deep water with a muddy bottom. The 

 large white or rosy flowers are very fragrant. The seeds retain 

 their vitality for several years. According to the ancient Egyptian 

 method, they are placed in balls of muddy clay and chaff, and then 

 sunk into the water. Not only the very palatable seeds serve for 

 food, but also the stalks, which are used as a vegetable. According* 

 to Moorcroft this plant contributes much to the sustenance of .some 

 thousands of people in Cashmere for eight months in the year. 



Nepeta Cataria. Linnt . 



Europe, Western Asia, The "Catmint." This somewhat 

 aromatic herb is valued in domestic medicine. In France used as 

 a condiment [Vilmorin]. Apiarists praise it also, Quinby stating, 

 that if there was any plant, which he should cultivate especially, 

 it would be this. 



Nepeta G-lechoma. Benthaui. (Glechoma hederacea, Linne). 



>" The Ground-Ivy." Europe, Western Asia. This herb is still 

 in great estimation as a pectoral medicine in many parts of Europe. 

 It is also a honey-plant. Perennial like most cogeners. 



Nepeta raphanorrhiza, Bentham. 



Cashmere and Afghanistan. The roots of this herb furnish a 

 delicious vegetable [Dr. Aitchison] ; they have the taste of fresh 

 almonds; large quantities are consumed by the inhabitants of the 

 native countries of this plant. 



