The Egyptian Lotus. ) 
andtits spikes of pure white, pea-like flowers. It is destined inev 
itably to become a great favorite. 
Breath of Heaven (Diosma alba—from dios, divine, and osme, 
odor) is a shrub admired by many for its heath-like foliage which 
yields a delightful but powerful perfume. | When in bloom the 
plant is completely covered with star-like, white flowers, which 
are useful for cut flower work. 
THE EGYPTIAN LOTUS. 
wy LOA 4 
aN) | ava Js P 
The sacred lotus of India 
and China (Nelumbium spe 
ciosum) was cultivated in 
Egypt in most ancient times. 
The leaves of this wonderful 
tropical plant grown in cul- 
tivation, have measured 
thirty inches across, on 
stalks five and six feet 
long, and with flower stalks 
five to seven feet. 
The first day the flowers 
appear like gigantic tea rose 
buds, of a bright rosy color. 
The second day they open 
like a tulip, the base of the 
petals being creamy white, 
most beautifully and deli- 
cately shading into bright 
WW ee wegeee pink at the tips. When 
PANS A fully expanded the flowers 
measure ten to thirteen inches from tip to tip of petals, and 
are delightfully fragrant. 
Although a tropical plant, this has proved entirely hardy in 
this country, and gives pleasure to many a country home in 
America. When placed in a pond it spreads rapidly, being of a 
rambling nature. The cut, kindly loaned for our use by Mr. E. D. 
Sturtevant, who is well known for his love of rare water lilies, 
shows a fine plant confined in a tub. 
