BRITISH WATER-LILIES. 21 



of the tropics, where the necessary conditions for the 

 full development of a luxuriant vegetation are al- 

 ways present; yet the Naiads of our own northern 

 waters are, in their own modest way, exquisitely 

 beautiful, and have many and strong claims upon 

 the attention of the botanist and the cultivator. 

 Their peculiarly pleasing aspect, in complete accord- 

 ance with the character of our lake scenery, recom- 

 mends them to the especial notice of the landscape 

 gardener, while their easy cultivation ought to in- 

 duce their introduction into every garden or plea- 

 sure-ground where a sufficient supply of pure water 

 is at command. Few aquatics can be so easily 

 managed, in the open air pond; few present a more 

 lovely appearance; and certainly none equal them 

 in interest. Highly as we regard the important 

 discoveries of the naturalists of our day, we do think 

 that a decided tendency is evinced by the horticul- 

 turists of the present age to overlook the indige- 

 nous productions of our own, in the eager desire for 

 the novelties of other more favoured lands. While 

 we can fully appreciate the value resulting to science 

 from the researches of botanical travellers, we would 

 have it be borne in mind that our native Flora 

 ought not to meet with undeserved neglect; for many 

 more of our British Wild-flowers, besides the Water- 

 Lilies, claim our attention. True, indeed, they are 

 not the gayest nor the brightest flowers in the 

 world. Humble in growth and modest in colouring, 



B 



