VICTOKIA. 183 



have leaves from one and a-half to two feet in diameter, 

 should be placed in the soil, already made thoroughly warm 

 for its reception, in the large tank. The crown ,of the 

 plant should be about nine inches under the water when 

 first planted, but as the crown gains strength it will soon 

 come near to the top ; to provide for this emergency, when 

 planting, the water in the tank must be lowered to the 

 proper height, and as the plant requires deeper water it 

 must be added. After planting out a most anxious time 

 commences for those engaged in the cultivation of the 

 Victoria, for if the plant should be checked through sudden 

 changes of temperature in the water — either over-heating, 

 or allowing it to fall below its proper heat, or carelessly 

 admitting too great a quantity of fresh water- — the chances 

 are that not only wiU it make disfigured leaves for a con- 

 siderable time, but it may have the effect of so .retarding it 

 that little or no flower is produced, and thus, after all the 

 expense, no pleasing return is made. If all should, how- 

 ever, go well after planting, which will, be the case if strict 

 attention be paid, by the middle of June the leaves will 

 present a noble appearance, having then nearly approached 

 their maximum size, and after that the flowers will soon 

 make their appearance. The largest we ever saw this 

 plant was a little over seven feet ; it is more frequently seen 

 about six feet six inches in diameter of leaf, and twelve to 

 sixteen inches in diameter of flower, and presenting in this 

 state a truly magnificent appearance. The flowers are 

 only of two days' duration; the first day it will open 

 about six p.m., and continue open until nearly the same 

 time the next morning, after which they rapidly close, and 

 remain so until evening again. In this stage it is deli- 

 ciously fragrant, emitting its perfume to a long distance, 

 the petals being erect and pure snow white. When it opens 



