122 The American Flower Garden 



their roots do not freeze. Of all aquatic plants, perhaps they 

 most resent being transplanted and interfered with. Where water 

 is drained out of ponds and basins in winter, a thick covering of 

 stable litter and autumn leaves, confined with branches, gives them 

 and the water lilies all necessary protection. Tender tropical 

 water lilies may never be trusted in the open until settled warm 

 weather would make it quite safe to set out begonias. They, too, 

 may be started indoors, preferably in the tubs or crates where they 

 are to grow through the summer, and stored in a cellar or green- 

 house during the winter. Where one has a pond large enough 

 to grow the gigantic Victoria regia, it may be planted out at the 

 same time as the tender Nymphaeas after it has made a good 

 start under glass. Not even a gypsy camp in a neighbourhood 

 will attract more visitors. 



Although the lotus was sacred to the ancient Egyptians, it 

 is only about fifty years ago that it, or indeed any aquatic plants, 

 began to find their way into our affections and our gardens, and 

 very slowly at first It was not until the magnificent display at 

 the World's Fair, Chicago, that people realised what a great wealth 

 of beauty lies within our easy reach. Even now, many have 

 quite erroneous ideas concerning them for example, that only 

 the rich may enjoy them, that artificial heat is necessary for all, 

 and that deep, warm running water and an expert gardener to 

 look after them are among their numerous wants. As a matter 

 of fact, the hardy aquatics are as easily grown as potatoes. The 

 booklets given away by the reliable dealers who make a specialty of 

 aquatics furnish all necessary information concerning their simple 

 culture. Even the tender, tropical water plants are less trouble- 

 some than many popular favourites show chrysanthemums, 

 for example. Lively times with trap and gun may- be in store 



