148 WATER PLANTS. 



Victoria Regia— Of this there are two forms— V. R. Randil and V. 

 R. Trickeri. The Victorias are grown as annuals, the seeds being 

 sown about the beginning of January, and kept in water at a 

 temperature of at least 80 degrees. The first leaves are grass-like, 

 gradually assuming the peltate form. The young plants should be 

 encouraged to make all the growth possible before being put out of 

 doors. In this latitude we plant them out about May 20, and treat 

 them in every respect like tender Nymphseas. Each plant should get at 

 least a couple of cartloads of prepared soil, to have the plants at their 

 best. V. Regia has leaves over 6 feet in diameter. The leaf of V. R. 

 Randii Is much less in diameter, but more turned up at the margins; 

 that of V. R. Trickeri, In size, is intermediate between the two. 



Labels for Water Plants — Labels for pots under the surface of the 

 water, if of the ordinary wooden kind, only remain in good condition 

 for a short time, and then the writing becomes obliterated. With the 

 constantly increasing number of Nymphseas and Nelumbiums, one must 

 be well acquainted with the names of the species and varieties to tell 

 them by their leaves, but when in a dormant state it is impossible to 

 tell some of the kinds from others. A simple method of getting around 

 this difficulty is to have labels made of strips of sheet copper, with 

 a number stamped across the top, the number to correspond with a 

 numbered list of the species and varieties kept in a book. The numbers 

 and names should also be written on a piece of board and nailed up 

 where it may be conveniently referred to. These labels last for years, 

 and may be used as often as necessary. In Water Lily ponds, whether 

 the plants are labeled above water or not, those intended to he removed 

 to their Winter quarters should have the name secured by nailing a strip 

 of the copper along the top of a stout wooden label, with the number 

 belonging to the kind punched on the copper. With copper and punches 

 conveniently at hand no more time will be used than in writing an 

 ordinary label. This method is a safe one also, where a permanent 

 label is desired for preserving the names of outdoor vines, shrubs and 

 trees. 



OUVIRANDRA FENESTRALIS— The lattice leaf plant of Madagascar. 

 This unique subject thrives best when the leaves are near the surface of 

 the water. The pots should be submerged from 4 to 6 Inches. The 

 temperature of tlie water should never be below 65 degrees, but it 

 should be kept at least 10 degrees higher most of the time. A wide tub 

 and one about 14 inches deep, will suffice for the plant's needs. The tub 

 should be placed in the warmest part of the stove, and shaded from the 

 sun at all seasons. It is not particular as to soil, growing in any ordi- 

 nary potting mixture. Loam, sand and a little half-rotted manure, 

 topped oft with fine grand, produce good results. When in an evidently 

 dormant state the plant will, no matter at what season, begin to send 

 up new leaves when given a shift, or the ball reduced and fresh soil 

 afforded. It's greatest enemy is the confervoid growths which cling to 

 the leaves. To check these, keep the plant in total darkness for a few 

 days. Propagation is by division, and from seeds. 



