nympileAce,?; 



fragrant, flotvcrs. Sepals 3^6, gradually passing into petals, and 

 these into stamens, both petals and stamens being inserted on a 

 fleshy disk, which surrounds the ovary; ovary many-chambered, 

 many-seeded, with a sessile, radiate stigma. The starchy rhizomes 

 and seeds of some species are eaten. 



Neiumhiiim specibsum, the Sacred Lotus, with peltate leaves 



rising above the water, and iti cai pels imbedded separately on the 

 upper surface of a funnel-shaped receptacle, though represented 

 in ancient Kgyptian art, is no longer found in the Nile, but is 

 venerated by Buddhists throughout Eastern ,\sia. Another 

 member of this order, Victoria rigia, a native of South America, 

 one of the most beautiful of aquatic plants, produces blossoms is 

 inches and leaves over 6 feet in diauieter. 



I. NviMPH.fiA. — Sepais 5 — 6; pcteiis man)', suiall, hypogyno'js; 

 stamens many, hypogynous. 



