ON AQUATIC PLANTS. 



893 



situating close to the margin of the water. A similar situation 

 also suits the Spiral Rush (Juncus effusus spiralis), which is an 

 interesting plant, with curious corkscrew-like stems. 



The following are giant members of the Grass family of very 

 graceful and effective habit : Miscanthus japonicus, better known 

 as Eulalia japonica, and its handsome variegated varieties foliis- 

 striatis and zebrinus,- are tall, elegant subjects, with large 

 plumose panicles of purplish flowers ; their beauty is best dis- 

 played when planted close to 

 the water's edge. The tall 

 Arundo Donax, and its varie- 

 gated variety, A. D. versi- 

 color, are strikingly handsome 

 plants, the latter being the 

 tenderer and less vigorous, 

 but both should be situated 

 in sheltered, sunny positions, 

 and their crowns protected in 

 winter. Panicum virgatum is 

 a very ornamental plant, of 

 erect and robust habit, pro- 

 ducing large branching pani- 

 cles of flowers. The well- 

 known Ribbon Grass (Pha- 

 laris arundinacea variegata), 

 with its prettily striped leaves, 

 is .a very effective plant for 

 the waterside. In sheltered, 

 sunny situations the stately- 

 growing Erianthus Ravenna 

 "could be introduced with good 

 effect, its bronzy - coloured 

 foliage being very attractive. 

 The well - known Pampas 

 Grass, Gynerium argenteum, 

 with its long glaucous green 

 leaves and handsome silvery 

 panicles of flowers, is a very 

 desirable subject to intro- 

 duce ; as is also the North 

 American Grass (Uniola lati- 

 folia), with its broad flat 

 leaves and graceful panicles 

 of flowers. 



In the background, in drier situations, groups of the stately- 

 growing Bamboos might be introduced with very telling effect. 



Amongst Ferns may be mentioned the Flowering or Royal 

 Fern (Osmunda regalis) and its pretty crested variety crislata; 



,FtG. 598. — Epilobium angustifolium. 



