Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 327 



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

 in diameter. The flower measures J 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.* (Nelumbium 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. Has one of the largest 

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

 Magnolias, Paeonia, Liriodendron, Stapelea gigantea, some Aristo- 

 lochias and Rafflesia Arnoldi. Petals all red or all white, or mixedly 

 red and white, seldom partially yellow. The occurrence of this 

 grand plant at the Ima, at Pekin and at Astracban proves sufficiently, 

 that we can naturalise it in moderately cool climes, as has been done 

 already by Marquis G-inoi at Doccia, near Florence. The plant lux- 

 uriates even in New Jersey, where when once established Mr. 

 Sturtevant saw it retaining its vitality while dormant through suc- 

 cessive winters underneath ice 6 inches thick. The Nelumbo requires 

 deep water with a muddy bottom for luxuriant development, but may 

 also be grown on swampy ground. 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, Linn& 



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

 matic 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 Grlechoma, Bentham. (Glechoma hederacea, Linn.) 



"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. 



