ROYAL WATER-LILY. 53 



moisture, and successfully grown, after being kept 

 in dry sand for a number of years. This fact seem- 

 ed to point out even a more successful method for 

 transplanting the Victoria, than by means of seeds, 

 because, as was thought, if strong roots were once 

 obtained, they would have a better chance of success 

 in cultivation, and not require that amount of foster- 

 ing care necessary to insure the favourable growth 

 of tender seedlings. Accordingly, through the exer- 

 tions of E. G. Boughton,Esq.,M.D., of Leguan Island, 

 roots were obtained from the Upper Essequibo, na- 

 tive Indians having been specially employed by him 

 for the purpose. These roots were received at 

 Kew, in October, 1848, being packed in a glazed 

 case, but, on arrival, were found to be quite dead. 

 The same gentleman, anxious to insure the safe in- 

 troduction of the Victoria to Britain, did not cease 

 his exertions with this effort, but obtained some 

 ripe capsules containing seeds, which he forwarded 

 by the following month's mail. He also sent more 

 seeds in a bottle of muddy water, thinking that this 

 imitation of the plant's seed-bed, as prepared by 

 nature, might be successful; but neither these seeds 

 nor the seeds contained in the dry capsules germi- 

 nated, when sown at Kew. 



Again, however, an attempt was made with seeds, 

 and was followed with success; from it we have to 

 date the introduction of the Victoria to the gardens 

 of England. This time, the seeds were put into 



