58 THE VICTORIA. 



During the winter but little water remained in the pond, and at one time 

 what was there must have been frozen nearly solid; in spring the water 

 was drawn off, the bottom, consisting of pure stiff clay, was pounded firm, and 

 a layer of sand put upon it; the young plants referred to above are firmly 

 rooted in the clay bottom and have every appearance of being strong and 

 vigorous. 



The partiality for a comparatively low temperature is a remarkable feature 

 of this variety (which we distinguish provisionally as ''Tricker's variety.") 

 In no case has seed germinated when subjected to a temperature of 85° to 95°; 

 it enjoys a temperature similar to that which is usually afforded tender Nym- 

 phaeas, and there can be no doubt whatever but that it will become a universal 

 favorite, as it can be grown successfully under precisely the same conditions 

 as the tender Nymphajas. 



Another variety of Victoria Regia is recognized in England as Dixon's 

 and is characterized by the deep coloring of its flowers. 



Thus far we have records of at least three distinct forms beyond the type, 

 but so far their exact standing has not been determined. Provisionally classed 

 as varieties of Schomburgh's original plant, it may be that at least one of 

 them is worthy of specific distinction, but that can only be determined on 

 a fuller and longer acquaintance. 



Victoria regfiais of easy culture; coming from a tropical country, it requires 

 a summer temperature all the season, to grow it successfully. In its native 

 habitat, it is a perennial, but with us, the best method is to treat it as an annual 

 It forms no tuber, nor rhizome, as do Nymphseas. It produces seed freely, and 

 if the season be sufficiently long, or if artificial heat be supplied, the seed will 

 ripen, but it takes from two to three months to ripen the seed. After it is ripe, 

 it should be kept in water continuously, and in a temperature not below 60°. 



The seed should be sown during February and March, according to the 

 section of the country, or facilities for growing the plants. The water tempera- 

 ture for starting the seed should be 85° to 90° ; the seed sown in pots, or seed 

 pans and placed in shallow water, will develop the seedlings in about twenty 

 days, although occasionally, some will make an appearance in ten days. These 

 should be potted off singly into thumb pots as soon as the second leaf appears; 

 the water temperature for potted plants need not exceed 85°; the young plants 

 should be repotted at intervals, keeping them steadily growing until they are 

 planted out in their summer quarters. Sufficient room must be given at all 

 times, so that the leaves are not crowded so as to overlap each other. 



