886 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



should not be allowed to extend to the areas provided for those 

 of less robust habits. None of the plants included in this group 



require any special 

 preparation of soil, 

 provided a good 

 depth of mud is 

 present ; but if this 

 is not the case soil 

 of a similar nature 

 as previously recom- 

 mended should be 

 deposited for their 

 reception. 



For the guidance 

 of those who are not 

 familiar with this 

 class of plants, the 

 following list may be 

 of service in making 

 a selection : — 



Acorus Calamus 

 (Sweet Flag) (Fig. 

 591). — This well- 

 known plant of our 

 riversides is a very 

 desirable subject for 

 planting in exposed 

 situations where 

 ample space can be 

 afforded. Height 

 about 3ft. A. C. 

 aurea striata is 

 similar in habit to the type, but more effective, the long narrow 

 leaves being prettily striped with golden-yellow. A. gramineus 

 (Grass-leaved Sweet Flag) is a dwarfer and more slender-growing 

 species with very narrow leaves. Height about i-gft. A. g. 

 variegatus resembles the type, but the leaves are handsomely 

 striped with white. 



Alisma Plantago (Common Water Plantain) (Fig. 592). — This 

 free-growing British Aquatic has pyramidal panicles of small, 

 delicate rose-coloured flowers, which present a very light and 

 graceful appearance. Height about 2^ft. 



Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush). — This handsome 

 British plant is one of the most ornamental of hardy Aquatics. 

 The showy flowers, which are produced in umbels on 

 long, stout scapes, are borne well above the foliage, and are' of 

 a rosy-lilac colour. Height from 3ft, to 4ft. 



'.^ c f;C? 



Fig. 590. — TJtricularia vulgaris. 



