WILD WATER MARGINS 57 



only native plants would have a place. It is essentially 

 a home for the many and beautiful wildings which may 

 be collected from the sides of English streams and ponds. 

 Even were it possible, we would refrain from any 

 attempt at naturalising the common Arum (Richardia) 

 or the choice Irises, which in more cultivated quarters 

 are of supreme value. They would harmonise but ill 

 with certain of our native plants, and would in some 

 cases be speedily choked out of existence. 



Considerable care must be taken when selecting the 

 water plants themselves. The tendency of most of 

 them is to increase very rapidly, and a few rampant 

 growers, such as the native Yellow Water-Lily (Nuphar 

 lutea) will soon completely cover the surface. It is 

 advisable, therefore, to keep such plants well isolated, 

 or in such positions that their wandering propensities 

 can be curtailed. 



In fairly still water the Yellow Buckbean (Villarsia 

 nymphaeoides), with its fringed single flowers and leaves 

 like a miniature Water-Lily, forms strong patches in a 

 short time. It blooms throughout the summer. When 

 planting, tie a stone to each root, and drop them into the 

 desired position, when they will soon become estab- 

 lished. Stratiotes aloides, the Water Soldier, is little 

 known, though it is a native in English waters. Perhaps 

 it is more curious than beautiful, yet the dark tufts of 

 long, green leaves are decidedly attractive. The flowers 

 are insignificant, the plant rising to the surface as they 

 are produced, afterwards sinking to the bottom again. 

 Another good plant is the Water Violet (Hottonia palus- 

 tris), which forms tufts of dark foliage, from which 

 spring the flower stems bearing whorls of pink blossoms. 

 It should be planted in clear shallow water. Nor must 

 the Buckbean (Menyanthes) be forgotten. Pieces of 

 the stem, if secured, will soon throw out roots ; the 

 three-lobed leaves and flowers delicately stained with 



