194 AQUA TIC PLANTS 



aquarium this plant seems to have a faculty of soon becoming covered 

 with sediment. Indeed, some aquarists find it useful to clear the 

 water. As soon as the plant becomes well covered it is taken out, 

 rinsed off and returned. As the stems are strong, they stand this 

 treatment successfully. A stone containing a thick bunch of Fontinalis 

 gracilis is an attractive feature in the aquarium. It is a slow grower. 

 The new leaves are bright green, but soon turn to a dark sage color. 



HERPESTIS 



Herpcstis amplexicaidis bears a general resemblance to Moneywort, 

 but in essential characteristics is quite different. It is a pure aquatic 

 with thick leaves and a stout stem. Native to the ponds of South- 

 eastern United States as far as Florida. It is one of the best of recent 

 additions to aquarium plants. On account of being a slow grower, its 

 introduction is not likely to be rapid, but once established it does very 

 well, holding its bright green leaves a long time. When out of the 

 water it has a faint, pleasant odor. Being of Southern origin, it will 

 prosper in the temperature of tropical aquaria where some plants will 

 not do so well, although it thrives in cool water also. Incorrectly 



known as Bacopa. 



CALLITRICHE 



Floating in small, cool streams throughout the United States and 

 Lower Canada, one will find patches of brilliant, light-green, small 

 leaves. Examination will show them to be the floating leaves of a 

 long-stemmed plant growing in the mud. These are various forms 

 of Callitriche, or Spring Starwort, sometimes also called Water Fen- 

 nel. When the plant is loosened we find it disappointing, for the 

 lower leaves are thinner and quite different in appearance. The stems 

 are tangled and difficult to disengage. 



Callitriche vcrna is the commonest form, as well as the most easily 

 established in the aquarium, but it shows to best advantage in shal- 

 low tanks, where a top view can be had of the surface leaves. It 

 should, however, only be kept with tropical fishes unless it is inten- 

 tionally given to goldfishes to eat, as they are fond of it. The stems 

 and roots when taken are usually swarming with various aquatic 

 insects and Crustacea. Although many of these are fishfoods, it is 

 best to rinse this and all other plants before placing in the aquarium. 



HIPPURIS 



Formerly used as an aquarium plant. Mare's Tail has been over- 

 looked of recent years, possibly on account of its tendency to stand 

 above the water. Used in a suitable wav, this feature could be util- 



