American Fisheries Society. 175 
pecially good—the latter being the favorite aquarium plant 
both on account of its handsome foliage and cleanly habit. It 
grows readily in nearly all waters and is not especially particu- 
lar as to root anchorage although it undoubtedly thrives best 
when drawing part of its substance from the soil. 
About the edges of a pond the yellow iris is very desirable. It 
is very hardy, the roots forming a thick fibrous growth which 
half sustains the bank about the water edge, and during June 
the yellow blossoms are exceedingly attractive. In growth the 
plant attains about two feet; late in July it is advisable to mow 
second growth comes on rapidly and remains the rest of the 
it as the heavy seed pods fall over in the water and decay—the 
season but the plant does not flower again. 
Lythrum salicaria, the purple loose-strife, is also a valuable 
and attractive plant about the borders. It bears pretty purple 
flowers on spikes, grows to ahout three feet in height and blos- 
soms throughout the season. Like the yellow iris, it is a peren- 
nial and when once established takes care of itself. 
Lily pads in moderation I believe to be beneficial, they act 
as sun shades and in still waters provide a cool retreat for the 
fish in bad weather. It is quite remarkable just under a lily leaf 
and outside of it in pond waters. 
The lotus (Nelumbo lutea) while very beautiful when per- 
fect appears to be subject to the ravages of insects to such an ex- 
tent as to make it on the whole undesirable, at least this is the 
experience at the Washington ponds in one of which it grows in 
abundance. ‘The banana-like bulbs penetrate three feet in the 
mud rendering extermination of the plant very difficult. 
In conclusion permit me to say that I do not know that I 
have said anything with which many of the members of this 
society are not familiar, but in as much as the Washington Sta- 
tion has been frequently called upon for an asortment of aquatic 
plants for other localities, I concluded it might be interesting to 
set forth the varieties usually selected with the reason therefor 
if there is anyone present not familar with the names of the 
plants mentioned who would like to identify them I will say that 
the preserved specimens are here and can be examined if desired. 
The growth of aquatic plants in ponds, particularly those 
designed for bass culture, is such an important matter, both in 
