158 WATER-LILIES 



diameter may be gathered. The flower is 

 creamy white or of a very pale yellow. It is 

 not a vigorous plant in cultivation, but will 

 do nicely if kept free from competition. It 

 is quickly crowded out by its cousin, the pink 

 or Indian lotus (often and wrongly called 

 Egyptian lotus), Nelumbo nucifera, known 

 to dealers as Nelumbium speciosum. 



The last named species resembles the 

 former in all respects, except colour of flower 

 and vigour of growth. The flowers of the 

 latter are larger than those of the former, 

 and each petal is tipped with rosy pink. At 

 the centre of the flower is a big yellow recep- 

 tacle like an inverted cone, surrounded by 

 innumerable yellow stamens. These great 

 blossoms are among the noblest products of 

 the vegetable world. They fairly glow in 

 the morning sunshine. In grace, dignity, 

 and repose they are not equalled. No 

 wonder is it that they figure symbolically in 

 the ever-repeated Buddhist prayer, " Om ! 

 mani padme hum!" — ("O! the jewel in the 

 lotus-flower! ") 



