62 ROYAL WATER-LILY. 



then four leaves, the largest being about four inches 

 in diameter. It was placed at once under similar 

 treatment to that which was so successfully pursued 

 with the Nelumbiums in these gardens some years 

 back, the basis of which was a constant circulation 

 of the water in which they were grown. This was 

 effected by placing three tubs at different elevations. 

 The upper one rested immediately over a hot-water 

 pipe. This warmed the water, which was then con- 

 veyed by a syphon into the one below, in which the 

 Victoria in a pot was placed, and which was plunged 

 in a bark bed. From this, the water was conveyed by 

 a pipe into the third and lowest tub, from which it 

 was returned into the upper one, again to follow the 

 same course of circulation. Under this treatment, 

 the plant soon became too large for its original pot, 

 and in about two weeks it was shifted into one of 

 a much larger size ; and, continuing rapidly to in- 

 crease its dimensions, it was removed into a wicker- 

 basket about two and a half feet in diameter by two 

 feet deep. About the same time, the size of the tub 

 was enlarged by fixing sheet lead to the upper part 

 of it, and dressing it out into a superficies of six 

 feet square, and about three inches deep at the sides 

 thus allowing room for the increased length of the 

 leaf-stalks. In this situation it remained, producing 

 a succession of healthy leaves, until January 5, 1 850. 

 It was then removed into a low-roofed lean-to house, 

 in which Mr Beck had been ordered to prepare a 



