176 AQUA TIC PLANTS 



There is simply no end to the possibilities of arrangement and 

 planting effect in the aquarium. Miniature boulders, natural bridges 

 and grottos of stone form charming settings for plants. All stones 

 should be free from sharp edges, which would be liable to injure the 

 iishes. 



Worn stones, arranged to imitate the whims of Nature, will be 

 found much more satisfactory and appropriate than any silly sub- 

 merged castles or other misplaced bric-a-brac. 



SAGITTARIA 



This plant in the three described species comprises the most 

 important group of aquarium plants. It has not the commercial 

 importance of Cabomba, because the latter is convenient to use in 

 small bunches in the "fish globes" seen everywhere; but to those who 

 plant in real aquaria, Sagittaria receives first consideration. 



It is a plant with bright green slender leaves of grass-like form, 

 so that it is popularly referred to by aquarists as "grass." It takes 

 its name from the arrow-shaped summer-leaves which stand above 

 the water, Sagittarius being the sign of the archer in the Zodiac. 

 The white flowers are the shape of miniature cups, with yellow cen- 

 tres, standing above the water. Although seeds are formed, the prin- 

 cipal means of reproduction is by runners. Small tubers or corms 

 are also formed among the roots, particularly in crowded situations. 

 These produce plants. 



A number of species are distributed throughout the United States, 

 many of them quite large, frequently with leaves extending well above 

 the water. These are only useful as bog plants, and even for this 

 purpose they are difficult to transplant successfully. The majority 

 of wild Sagittarias are not suited to the aquarium. 



There has been much discussion as to the classification of Sagit- 

 taria into a number of doubtful species. Environment makes such 

 radical changes in its appearance that there is a tendency to claim 

 new species when there is in reality no botanical distinction. 



Sagittaria natans, known also as Ribbon Arrowhead, is perhaps the 

 most important of the group to the aquarist. It is of moderate size 

 and is suited to the average aquarium on that account. Multiplying 

 rapidly, growing the entire year, supplying a large amount of oxygen 

 and thriving under varying conditions, it is very valuable. When an 

 aquarium is uprooted on account of Sagittaria or Vallisneria becom- 

 ing too thick, it will be found that the sand is not foul-smelling, show- 

 ing that the matted roots purify the soil. 



