THE HARDY WATER-LILIES 93 



with a look of rank luxuriance. The plant 

 increases rapidly in favourable circumstances, 

 so that the possessor of a single shoot will 

 soon be able to supply his neighbours. It is 

 perfectly hardy, even in water so shallow 

 that it must certainly freeze to the bottom. 

 The fragrant yellow water-lily {N. odorata, 

 var. sulphured) is more delicate, and is easily 

 distinguished when out of flower because the 

 blotched leaves are always floating. The 

 flower is composed of slender spreading 

 petals. Its chief interest lies in the fact that 

 it is the offspring of two native species (N. 

 odorata and N. Mexicand). 



SOME REALLY GOOD WHITE HYBRIDS 



Among whites none of the wild species is 

 sufficiently free-flowering to win a place in a 

 small collection. ■ We have, however, some 

 superb varieties. Possibly N. Gladstoniana 

 is the best of these. It is thoroughly hardy 

 and a strong grower. The leaves are of a 

 rich green colour, and may reach ten or 



