ON AQUATIC PLANTS. 875 



as expeditiously as possible, afterwards lowering the baskets from 

 a punt or raft into the positions the plants are to occupy, 

 whether on the bed or on the mounds of soil, as the case may be. 

 When the baskets become decayed, or even before, the roots will 

 be found to have penetrated through, and have taken possession 

 of the mud or soil below, attended with a corresponding vigorous 

 growth of the entire plant. In the case of Nymphseas, only 

 strong, healthy plants should be submitted to this treatment. 

 Small plants should be nursed in shallower water, or where they 

 would be under close observation until sufficiently strong to be 

 transferred to deeper quarters. In the case of small plants it is 

 advisable to remove the flower-buds as they appear, so that their 

 vigour may be concentrated in making an unchecked growth. 

 The compost recommended to be used for planting in the above 

 instance would be that which would also be found to meet the 

 requirements of those grown in all circumstances where beds, 

 tubs, or boxes are used for their reception, provided a minimum 

 depth of 9m. of same be allowed for them to develop as much 

 root growth as possible. This compost would also serve for the 

 purpose of renovating the surface whenever necessary, and this 

 operation is invariably attended with good results if done before 

 each season's growth commences. 



In planting a water garden where sufficient space exists for 

 the inclusion of a representative collection of the most ornamental 

 Aquatics, it may be made all the more attractive by a judicious 

 disposition of the plants according to their individual 

 characteristics, more particularly with respect to their habit of 

 growth. For instance, there- are those kinds whose leaves float 

 on the surface of the water, amongst which are included the 

 beautiful Water Lilies and the sweet-scented Water Hawthorn ; 

 whereas other kinds assume a more or less tall and erect habit, 

 as, for example, the Flowering Rush and the Bog Bean. • Then 

 there are those the foliage of which is entirely submerged, but 

 which produce their flower-scapes above the surface of the water, 

 such as the pretty Water Violet, the Water Soldier, and the 

 interesting Bladderworts, besides numerous other equally desirable 

 and pretty subjects that thrive luxuriantly at the water's edge, 

 where their roots can revel in an abundance of moisture. 



The most suitable time for planting hardy Aquatics is about 

 the beginning of April, or as soon as they commence active 

 growth, thus affording a long -growing season in which to get 

 established. Of course it may be desirable afterwards to 

 introduce a few plants in the shape of new acquisitions, to fill up 

 spaces where plants may have failed, or to introduce a few tender 

 kinds during the summer months which require the protection 

 of a greenhouse during the winter; but for the general planting, 

 the time stated above is invariably the most advantageous. It 

 is also very important that due consideration should be given to 



