336 



MY GARDEN. 



cultivate a variety of this plant called L. roseum; I observe, however, 

 that in a wild state each plant differs in the intensity and brilliancy 

 of its colour. River scenery would be shorn of half its interest if 

 deprived of this important wild plant. Tn particular, it contributes 

 its share to the wonderful colouring of the banks of the Thames 

 in summer. 



Later in the season, the Figwort {Scrophularia nodosa, fig. 764) 



flowers along the banks of the Wandle. It is a 



singular and interesting wild plant. 



We have imported from the valley of the Thames 



the beautiful Flowering Rush {Butoimis umbellatus, fig. 



765), which grows sparingly all along the banks of the 



Thames, and also along those of the Lea. It has not 



yet flowered with me. 



It is noteworthy that the charming White Water 



Lily does not grow in my garden, and cannot be made 



to do so. Whether it is the quality of the water, or its 

 FiG.764.-Figwort. j^^ tcmperaturc in summer, I cannot tell. We have 

 tried the plant several times without success, and one of my neighbours 

 did the same during a series of years, but utterly failed to acclimatize 

 it. Neither have we the Yellow Water Lily in our streams. 



Fig, 765. — Flowering Rush. 



Fig. 766. — Frog-bit. 



Fig. 767. — Speedwell. 



The Frog-bit {Hydrockaris morsus-rance, fig. "j^ is a charming plant 

 It was imported from the neighbouring common, and it grows and 

 flowers in a tiny pond. 



In early spring a most lovely weed takes the liberty of coming up 



