GENERAL CARE 323 ' 



grass-like in appearance, but with broad, strong leaves. 

 Once it has become established in the aquarium, it sends 

 out shoots which develop rapidly. It is a good aerator, and 

 probably the most satisfactory of all aquatics. Anacharis 

 is a long, stringy plant, having three or more small, nar- 

 row leaves arranged in whorls at frequent intervals along 

 the stem. It is extremely hardy and a good aerator, its 

 greatest fault being the rapidity with which it grows, neces- 

 sitating its frequent trimming back. 



Tapegrass (Vallisneria spiralis) is another valuable 

 aquarium plant. It much resembles Sagittaria, but its 

 leaves are more narrow and ribbon-like, and it has a some- 

 what different habit of growth. It is a good aerator and 

 propagates well. 



Certain species of False Loosestrife (Ludwigia) are at- 

 tractive if they can be established. They are rather deli- 

 cate in the aquarium, but if not too badly crowded, and 

 given plenty of light, will often thrive. 



The Pond weeds (Potamogeton) do not, as a rule, make 

 satisfactory additions to the aquarium flora, although they 

 are sometimes offered by dealers. When secured in this 

 way, the delicate leaves are almost invariably injured, 

 and as even healthy plants will thrive only under the 

 most favorable circumstances their acquisition is not 

 advised. 



There are many small floating plants which, while their 

 value as aerators is almost negligible, add greatly to the 

 beauty of the aquarium. Of these the Duckweeds (Lemna), 

 Moss-ferns (Sahinia) and Floating Riccia (Riccia or Ric- 

 ciella) are the hardiest and most easily obtained. The 

 Bladderworts (Utricularia), while always submerged, float 

 close to the surface. Their bright green traceries make 

 them attractive, but they should never be kept in the breed- 

 ing aquarium, as the tiny " bladders " are traps from which 



