ourraANDEA, 271 



them the Water Tam. How far this may be correct 

 we cannot assert, but plants which have attained a very 

 large size with ns, have never increased much in the size 

 of their roots. In their native country the Ouvirandras 

 grow near the margins of running streams, but we have 

 grown them in large inverted bell-glasses and tubs, 

 cleansing and agitating the water by running in daily, 

 with a rose-headed watering pot, some fresh water at the 

 proper temperature. They seem to luxuriate in a mixture 

 of loam and decayed vegetable matter, in about equal 

 parts, but as the water will make the soil too light for 

 the roots to cling to if left to itself, some large pieces of 

 stones or tiles must be laid upon the surface to keep it 

 firm. Various opinions have been expressed as to the 

 depth of water required, but we have always succeeded 

 best with it- when the floating leaves have been covered 

 by about two inches of water. The depth at which the 

 crown is placed must be regulated by the size of the 

 plant ; if it be a small plant, very little depth will be 

 required, but if (as we have had this plant) it be furnished 

 with from eighty to a hundred leaves, each measuring a 

 foot in the blade, and some three or four inches broad, a 

 ■cqnsiderable quantity of water will be necessary to cover 

 it, and the safest guide is to have the highest part covered 

 with some two or three inches of water. The temperature 

 «f the water should be about 70° or 75° Fahrenheit, and 

 the plant may be grown to a considerable size in a large 

 inverted bell-glass or an aquarium. When raised to about 

 the level of the eye it is seen to the greatest advantage, 

 and as it enjoys full exposure to the light, such a position 

 has no injurious effect upon it. The plant enjoys frequent 

 mulchings with water, in which some fresh mould has 

 been stirred, and although this necessitates a thorough 



