.ETHIOPIAN LILY. 19 



and has no structural affinity with any of the other 

 plants known as Lilies and Water-Lilies. It belongs 

 to the natural order Araceae, the Arum Family be- 

 ing associated with the Cuckoo-pint, or Wake-Robin 

 of our woods (from the root of which plant Portland 

 Sago is prepared), the tongue-swelling Dumb-cane, 

 and the Acorus Calamus, or Sweet Flag. The 

 Richardia is easily cultivated, either in the green- 

 house or in the dwelling-house window a plentiful 

 supply of water being all that is necessary to insure 

 its success. It has been observed, that when the 

 Calla has too much water given it, this will distil 

 away in drops from the tapering points of the leaves, 

 perfectly limpid, and of an acrid taste. It requires 

 to be grown in a pretty large pot, so that its roots 

 may have plenty of room; and, where it can be done, 

 the plant will grow all the better if the pot is plunged 

 into a tub, or cistern of water. The ^Ethiopian Lily 

 grows very well throughout the summer season in 

 the open air pond, and, where entirely covered with 

 a depth of water sufficient to place its roots beyond 

 the reach of frosts, is said to stand over the winter, 

 and thrive well as a permanent out-of-door Aquatic. 

 Its arrow-shaped, upright leaves, elevated above the 

 water on long stalks, and the large pure white spathe 

 which it produces, render the Richardia an object of 

 great beauty, and point it out as a fitting companion 

 on the lake, but more especially on the artificial 

 pond, for the Great White Water-Lily of our own 



