ROYAL WATER-LILY. 79 



of being merely a tank covered in with glass, and 

 containing th solitary plant, might be rendered 

 much more interesting by an attempt at the imi- 

 tation of natural scenery, and the introduction of a 

 few other aquatic plants to form a pleasing contrast 

 with the Royal Lily. A small waterfall at one end 

 of the house, verdant with moisture-loving plants, 

 might be made to supply the pond, and give to its 

 surface that gentle agitation so necessary for the 

 healthy development of the Victoria. While the gi- 

 gantic Lily occupied the chief portion of the pond, 

 the shallow margins might be planted with various 

 small aquatics, suitable for such situations; and, if 

 space allowed, a few other tropical Water-Lilies 

 might be introduced into the deeper parts. It might 

 obscure the light too much to run climbers up the 

 rafters, and hang drooping plants from the roof, but, 

 under favourable circumstances, this might be done to 

 some extent, especially in the summer season, when 

 there is an abundance of sunshine. In the formation 

 of Aquariums of all kinds, it has been strongly recom- 

 mended to steep the materials separately in boiling 

 water before being used, in order to destroy insect 

 life; and the mould into which the plants are to be 

 grown should also be well burned. The admirable 

 manner in which the other exotic Water-Lilies are 

 thriving at various establishments where they join 

 the Victoria in the occupancy of structures erected 

 specially for the accommodation of the latter, and 



