66 THE AQUARIUM. 



to and fro with the motion of the water as gracefully 

 as the trees ware before the winds. 



In the illustration on page 59, the tall and graceful 

 form of the Calla will be recognized rearing its beau- 

 tiful flowers far above the surface of the water, while 

 below will be seen the forms of some of the most 

 interesting aquatics. 



The foliage of the Myriophyllum presents a fine 

 appearance when seen floating in the water, the very 

 minute divisions of which have given it the name of 

 Milfoil, or thousand leaves. 



The Water Buttercup is also a very interesting 

 plant, on account of its peculiar growth ; the leaves 

 which appear below the surface of the water are so 

 deeply cut, as apparently to consist of nothing but 

 veins or fibres, while those which are developed above 

 are broad and flat, the veins being connected by the 

 ordinary tissue. The Starwort also presents the same 

 formation; the foliage below is long and slender, 

 while it spreads out upon the surface in beautiful 

 whorls, somewhat like a star. Here we see peculiari- 

 ties adapted to two different elements, existing in the 

 same plant. 



The number of plants which may be grown suc- 

 cessfully in an Aquarium, is great ; but for ordinary 

 purposes, three or four well-selected varieties are suf- 

 ficient. In all cases a specimen of Valisneria Spi- 

 ralis should be obtained, if possible, as its grass-like 

 appearance is particularly appropriate, and it is an 

 excellent generator of oxygen. 



