166 GOLDFISH VARIETIES AND 
nany ways. The author believes in the use of coarse sand, either with or 
without a mixture of pebbles, this latter being a matter of taste only. 
The disadvantage of pebbles is that they are likely to get into a siphon 
and clog it. Pebbles without sand collect dirt which cannot be removed. 
There are no experienced advocates of fine sand. It packs too hard for 
the roots to penetrate. If soil is to be used in pots or otherwise, an in- 
verted piece of turf is excellent. It is compact, comparatively clean and is 
not likely to turn sour. In all cases soil is covered with sand or gravel to 
prevent washing out. As to other points in reference to planting, the use 
of fertilizer, etc., the reader is referred to page 14. 
SAGITTARIA 
This plant in the three described species comprises the most important 
group of aquarium plants. It has not the commercial importance of 
Cabomba, because the latter is convenient to use in small bunches in the 
“fish globes” seen everywhere; but to those who plant in real aquaria, 
Sagittaria receives first consideration. 
It is a plant with bright green slender leaves of grass-like form, so 
that it is popularly referred to by aquarists as “grass.” It takes its name 
from the arrow-shaped summer-leaves which stand above the water, 
Sagittarius being the sign of the archer in the Zodiac. The white flowers 
are the shape of miniature cups, with yellow centres, standing above the 
water. Although seeds are formed, the principal means of reproduction 
is by runners. Small tubers or corms are also formed among the roots, 
particularly in crowded situations. These produce plants. 
A number of species are distributed throughout the United States, 
many of them quite large, frequently with leaves extending well above the 
water. These are only useful as bog plants and even for this purpose 
they are difficult to transplant successfully. The majority of wild Sagit- 
tarias are not suited to the aquarium. 
There has been much discussion as to the classification of Sagittaria 
into a number of doubtful species. Environment makes such radical 
changes in its appearance that there is a tendency to claim new species 
when there is in reality no botanical distinction. 
Sagittaria natans, known also as Ribbon Arrowhead, is perhaps the 
most important of the group to the aquarist. It is of moderate size and is 
suited to the average aquarium on that account. Multiplying rapidly, 
growing the entire year, supplying a large amount of oxygen and thriving 
under varying conditions, it is very valuable. When an aquarium is up- 
rooted on account of Sagittaria or Vallisneria becoming too thick, it will 
always be found that the sand is not foul-smelling, showing that the roots 
purify the soil. 
