68 SWEET SCENTED WATER LILY. 



the stocks that siipport the leaves and blossoms are round of an 

 olive-«;reen, containing open pores filled with air, which cause them 

 to be buoyed up in the water. These air-cells may be distinctly 

 seen by cutting the stems across. 



The leaves of the Fond-Lily are of a full-green colour, deeply 

 tinged with red toward the Hill of the year, so as to give a blood red 

 tinge to the water: they are of a large size, round kidney shaped, 

 of leathery texture, and highly polished surface ; resisting the action 

 of the water as if coated with oil or varnish. Over these beds of 

 water-lilies, hundreds of dragon Hies of every colour, blue, green, 

 scarlet, and bronze, may be seen like living gems flirting their pearly 

 tinted wini^s in all the enjovnient of their newlv found existence- 

 possibly enjoying the delicious aroma from the odorous lemon 

 scented flowers over which they sport so gaily. 



The flowers of the Pond-Lily grow singly at the summit of the 

 round, smooth, fleshy seape. AVho that has ever floated upon one 

 of our calm inland lakes, on a warm Julv or Au^^ust dav, but has 

 been tempted, at the risk of upsetting the frail birch-bark canoe or 

 shallow skitf. to put forth a hand to snatch one of those matchless 

 ivory cups that rest in spotless purity uj)on the tranquil water, just 

 rising and falling with the movement of the stream : or have gazed 

 with wishtul and admiring eyes into the still clear water, at the 

 exquisite buds and halt unfolded blossoms that are springing upwards 

 to the air and sun-lisht. 



The hollow boat-shaped sepals of the calyx are four in number, 

 of a bright olive green, smooth and oily in texture. The flowers do 

 Dot expand fully until they reach the surface. The petals are numerous, 

 hollow (or concave), blunt of a pure ivory white: very fra^^rant 



