Fourteen] UatCfi 169 



drops like quicksilver instead of spreading over the 

 leaves, as on Nymphaeas and the like. 



There are several varieties of Nymphaeas suitable 

 for amateur cultivation the Cape Cod Water Lily, 

 with its large, cup-shaped flowers of a lovely pink; T. 

 Richardson, probably the finest white variety; our 

 native Nymphaeas, and the lovely Zanzibar Lilies in 

 blue and crimson. These last are very easily raised 

 from seed, which, if planted early in February, will 

 give bloom by July, and may be wintered in a warm, 

 dry cellar. In a cold, damp cellar they rot. If grown 

 in tubs drain off the water at the approach of cold 

 weather, remove to the cellar and keep merely moist. 

 If grown in ponds it is better to plant them in pots, 

 which may be lifted and brought into the cellar for 

 the winter. Into a large bowl or crock put a few 

 inches of rich soil, cover with clean white sand and 

 turn on tepid water until it runs clear. Sow the lily 

 seed on the surface of the water; it will go to the 

 bottom when entirely wet and be more evenly distrib- 

 uted than would be the case were it sown on the soil 

 and the water turned over it. 



Through the clear water the whole process of 

 germination may be watched. In six days a thread- 

 like sprout will have started from the swollen seed; 

 in six days more this thread-like shoot changes into 

 a tiny dart-shaped leaf; in another six a true leaf 

 comes upon the scene, a very small lily-pad, but giv- 

 ing promise of great performance. 



