CLIMBERS. 631 



Water Lily. These beautiful, white, waxy blossoms, which 

 seem to float on the surface of the water, grow easily in ponds 

 of shallow water, having muddy bottoms, and can be cultivated 

 in tubs or aquariums, if there is sufficient mud at the bottom, 

 and the seeds or roots are constantly covered with water. Fill 

 a strong tub one-third full with fine, rich, black soil. Plant the 

 seed in this mixture, covering it one inch deep. Add water 

 gently, so as not to disturb the seed, until the tub is full, and 

 see that it is always full of water. Place in any convenient 

 spot, and remove to cellar in winter or upon approach of frost. 

 Do not allow the water to entirely dry up. It is a hardy aquatic 

 plant. For an aquarium, put in five inches of fine black loam, 

 cover the seed one inch deep in this, and sift on enough fine 

 white sand to cover the loam. 



Balsam, or Lady-Slipper. This is an old-fashioned flower, 

 much improved by cultivation. The flowers are improved by 

 planting in hot-beds, and transplanting when two leaves have 

 formed. By pinching off a portion of the shoots, the size of 

 the flower and the vigor of the plant will be increased. Pro- 

 vide a rich soil and good cultivation, always removing such 

 plants as produce single blossoms. Much satisfaction and en- 

 joyment will be derived from the beautiful flowers in white, 

 red, purple, spotted, striped, and variegated. It is a tender 

 annual. 



Ice Plant. The leaves have a fleshy appearance, and seem 

 to be covered with ice crystals. This plant is very brilliant in 

 the sunshine, and produces a dainty white flower. It succeeds 

 best in a dry, sandy loam, and warm situation, and is adapted 

 for hanging-baskets, vases, rock-work, and border, but succeeds 

 best in pots. It is a tender annual trailer, six inches high. 



CLIMBERS. 



Smilax. This vine can be preserved several days after it is 

 cut, without wilting, and is most desirable for wreaths and cut 

 flowers. There is no prettier vine for decorating pictures, 

 vases, statuettes, mantels, etc., than the smilax, with its grace- 

 ful, clinging tendrils, and delicate beauty of foliage. After 

 soaking the seed in warm water for twelve hours, plant in pots, 



