174 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



of N. Colossea is given as being N. maxima alba x N. gloriosa. Of 

 crimsons, the finest, in my opinion, is N. Escarbonde (Latour-Marliac, 

 1909). In its colouring it is almost unique. We have none that 

 approaches it in intensity of colour, which is described as a uniform 

 vermilion red. So far I do not think it is found in many collections. 

 The stamens are of a deep vermilion red, very distinct. N. Meteor 

 (Latour-Marliac, 1909) is somewhat after the preceding, but not so 

 brilliant in colour. The petals are streaked with white, but not regu- 

 larly ; the sepals are lined with red, and the stamens of a golden yellow 

 shade. N. Attraction (Latour-Marliac, 1910) resembles somewhat that 

 well-known hybrid N. atropurpurea. It is, however, much brighter, 

 and cannot be considered as of the same colour, which in this instance 

 is a deep bright purplish crimson with venations of almond white; the 

 stamens are of a deep mahogany tint. N. Conqueror (Latour-Marliac, 

 1910) has very fine and distinct flowers of the largest size, bright red in 

 colour, with white veinings occasionally, the colouring being deeper 

 upon the convex side of the petals ; the stamens in this instance are 

 orange yellow. The flowers possess great substance in addition. The 

 foregoing are ten of the finest of the newer hybrids, so far as I have 

 been able to prove them. They are all distinct from the older varie- 

 ties, and every one possesses the essential of a vigorous growth. 



N. gladstoniana is a most remarkable hybrid and one of the finest 

 whites in cultivation, with no semblance whatever of pink in the petals ; 

 instead of which the few touches of palest green add to its beauty. 

 The flowers are somewhat after N. tuberosa in form, being disposed to 

 incurve as in that species. The flowers are of the largest size, while 

 the leaves are larger than any other Water Lily with which I am 

 acquainted. I suppose this latter feature is why the moorfowl often- 

 times select it upon which to make their nests. 



Enemies. Like all other plants that are cultivated in our gardens, 

 the Water Lilies have some enemies to contend with. The water snail 

 is one that is, in a few waters, somewhat troublesome. The best 

 remedy that I can advise for this is the use of finely ground lime (not 

 slaked lime, which is not quite so effective, I think). If very trouble- 

 some, then lower the water and destroy all that can be seen, and lime 

 all the surface lightly before raising the water-level again. Too free a 

 use of lime, be it noted, is prejudicial, in my opinion. Aphides will 

 attack them at times. For this the remedy is spraying over the entire 

 surface towards the evening, and with repeated doings if needful, select- 

 ing a dry, quiet time if possible. A mite or other small insect will eat 

 away the leaves from the under side. For this the remedy is a well- 

 proven insecticide at about double the usual strength of application. 

 This should be forced under the foliage, so that it rises against the 

 under surface of the leaves. Another and most determined enemy of 

 the Water Lily, in my experience, has been the waterfowl of divers 

 kinds, from the black and white swans down to the moorfowl. All 

 grades have a liking either for the young bronzy leaves of many of the 

 best hybrids or for the flowers themselves. The moorfowl will peck 



