206 AQUATIC PLANTS 



WATER CHESTNUT 



Probably obtaining its popular name from the serrated edges of 

 the leaves somewhat resembling those of the Chestnut tree, Trapa 

 natans forms one of the pleasing varieties among floating aquatics. 

 It is an annual doing v\'ell in exposed outdoor positions. New plants 

 are produced each year from large, hard seeds. The big, black, two- 

 horned seeds sometimes sold in Chinese stores are of a closely related 

 species of Trapa. Can be had of dealers after May IS. 



WATER HYACINTH 



Although Water Hyacinth, Eichhornia, is considered a pest in its 

 native habitat on account of clogging up rivers and lakes, it is none the 

 less a favorite with the aquarist, especially the breeder of goldfishes. 

 Its long, finely divided, dense roots are admirable for receiving the 

 eggs of any fishes that spawn on plants. The pale purple flower-spike 

 only blooms for a single day, but is quite beautiful, having the general 

 form of its namesake, the Hyacinth. Propagation is by runners at 

 the surface of the water. Water Hyacinths do best if their roots can 

 enter or drag in soil. Outdoors they do not like to be blown about 

 nor to strike against the sides of a tank, although apparently not mind- 

 ing how closely they are crowded together. This plant does well in 

 a warm greenhouse the year round. Unless supplied with plenty of 

 light and heat during the winter they degenerate very much. 



WATER LILIES 



Fish pools or large tanks standing in the sun should have water 

 lilies growing in them. They are of easy culture and not only give 

 protection to the fish from excessive sun and from bird enemies, but 

 add greatly to appearances. Small or large varieties may be had, 

 according to the needs of the space. Water lilies are divided into 

 tender and hardy varieties, and the tenders are sub-divided into day- 

 blooming and night-blooming kinds. The tenders are more free- 

 blooming and the day-blooming tenders are the most fragrant, as well 

 as presenting the greatest range of color. They usually open in the 

 fore part of the morning and close in mid-afternoon. The night- 

 bloomers open in the evening and close about nine in the morning. 

 They are not fragrant nor as elegant as the day-bloomers, but they 

 are called the business man's water lily, because he can see them in 

 bloom in the evening and in the morning. 



Water lilies need extremely rich soil. A mixture of half clay and 

 half cow manure suits them very well. An inch top layer of sand 



