84 



FEESH-WATEE AQrARIA. 



a large grass or sedge in its habit, but it may be easily dis- 

 tinguished by its curious spadix, which is 2in. or Sin. long, 



and of a light brown colour. 

 The whole plant gives out a 

 very pleasant aromatic scent, 

 and for this reason it was 

 frequently used many years 

 ago (and is, I believe, even now 

 sometimes) for covering the 

 floors of churches and houses. 

 This plant is common in Nor- 

 folk and Suffolk. 



The Broad-leaved Pond-weed 

 {Fotamogeton natans) (Fig. 64) 

 is common in ponds and ditches, 

 but more so in the former than 

 in the latter. The only draw- 

 back that I know of to the 

 presence of this plant in the 

 aquarium is the liability of 

 some of the leaves to premature decay: in other respects it is most 

 suitable for a tank, as it is both ornamental and a good producer 

 of oxygen. P. natans has, as a rule, particularly in deep water, 

 two sets of leaves : the upper ones float upon the surface at 

 the end of long stalks, which are able to adjust themselves to 

 the depth of the pond or. ditch in which they are growing ; the 

 lower ones are often absent in shallow water. The floating 

 leaves are ovate, and 2in. or Sin. long; the submerged ones are 

 somewhat similar to long grass. The green flowers grow on 

 small spikes just above the water. This weed may be planted 

 in a pot containing loam and silver sand. 



The Cape Fragrant "Water Lily [Aponogeton distachyon) (Fig. 

 65) grows exceedingly well in an aquarium, and is very graceful, 

 having bright green, ovate, floating leaves on very long stalks. 

 The groups of white flowers are forked, and float upon the 

 water : they remain in perfection for a long time, and give out 

 a strong, pleasant smell. This plant may be propagated by 

 division of the root, and can always be bought for a small 



Fig. 63. Sweet Flag 

 (AcoRus Calamus). 



