on -IRAXDRA FENESTRALIS. 



69 



when 



during winter and spring, and may be placed out of doors in siiniiner, 

 not wanted inside. 



A tank provided with bottom heat is a useful adjunct to any place, and 

 when not needed in winter for aquatics, it may be used for propagating, or for 

 plunging plants that need bottom heat, using such a medium as cocoanut fibre 

 refuse, which indeed is the best for such a purpose. If a tank of more than 

 twelve inches depth be desired, one built of masonrj^ is to be preferred ; this 

 not necessarily occupying all the central space, but one end of the centre 

 table, and that where it will derive the full benefit of light and sunshine. 



Do not put plants into new tanks immediately after they are finished and 

 filled with water; but allow the water to stand for three or four days, then 

 allow more water to run in, and with the hose wash off any scum, or anything 

 that has gathered on the surface. Do not change the water if it be thick or 

 cloudy, it will settle in a short time. 



OUVIRANDRA FENESTRALIS (LACE OR LETTUCE LEAF PLANT). 



Among all the submerged water plants there is not anything that rivals 

 this unique plant. It is indigenous to sluggish streams in Madagascar. Its 

 introduction dates back to the year 1855; although known to cultivation for 

 upwards of forty 

 years, it is yet a rare 

 plant, and when seen 

 in good condition it is 

 one of the most beau- 

 tiful and attractive of 

 aquatic plants. The 

 leaves may be termed 

 skeletonized; they are 



a mere net-work resembling lace, and on a well-grown plant measure from 

 twelve to eighteen inches in length, and four to six inches in width, oblong, 

 with an obtuse apex, and spreading out nearly horizontally beneath the 

 surface of the water; they are bright green in color in the early stage, 

 changing to deep green when fully grown, with a greenish yellow midrib ; the 

 flowers are white, the stem being split at the top into two spikes. 



DIAL LEAK OF Ol'VIRANnRA FENEB 



