FLOWERS ON WATER SIDE AND SURFACE 123 



also suitable. As regards the choice of water, 

 that from a stream or river is to be preferred, 

 though that from wells will do. When the water 

 is taken from running streams it ought to be 

 turned off in summer, so as to keep the tempera- 

 ture of the water the same as the air. It must 

 not be forgotten that nymphaeas thrive best in 

 stagnant water, or, at least, a very gentle current. 

 In stocking a tank with water-lilies the object 

 should be to obtain a harmonious and sequence 

 of shades and colours and generally good effect, 

 and for that purpose plants with high stalks should 

 be avoided, as that would destroy the general view. 

 It is necessary also to suppress confervas and 

 certain under-water plants which are clogging and 

 clinging, such as chara, vallisneria, elodea, and 

 potamogeton, which live at the expense of the 

 water-lilies without adding anything to the picture. 

 I think the remarks of Latour-Marliac on the 

 way to obtain new forms are of great interest, 

 and should of course be followed by those who 

 wish to experiment. If new varieties are wished 

 for recourse must be had to seed and hybridisation. 

 The method of sowing is quite simple. It is only 

 necessary to place the seeds in shallow vessels in 

 spring and carefully keep them full of water. 



