THE NIGHT BLOOMING WATER-LILIES I33 



a graceful oval shape. The flower is yellow- 

 ish white, and four or five inches across. It 

 floats on the water like the hardy kinds. The 

 bud rises just above the water surface to-day, 

 let us suppose. Between 3 and 4 a. m. to-mor- 

 row it opens to a narrow cup-shape, and closes 

 again before six. The next day it begins to 

 open about half-past six in the evening, and 

 by eight it has four white petals spread out 

 around a firm white bud. Thus it remains 

 until half-past three in the morning, when the 

 whole flower bursts into full bloom. It thus 

 remains spread for about fifteen minutes; by 

 six o'clock it is entirely closed, and is already 

 retreating into the water. There are several 

 other kinds in South America of unknown, 

 but probably similar, habits. They are only 

 likely to appeal to the night watchman. 



THE GIANT VICTORIAS 



The queen of all the water-lily tribe, if not 

 of the whole vegetable world, is the wonderful 

 night blooming Victoria. Everyone should 



