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a tuft of this plant, in a manner which was exceedingly suggestive 
of its being a useful accessory to a fish pond. 
The water plantain (Avisma plantago) is another marginal 
aquatic, which is very hardy, and invariably succeeds where 
properly introduced. It also grows freely in shallow water, say 
up to a foot deep, and, when planted at a depth of two or three 
feet, produces handsome floating leaves and excellent shelter for 
fish. Its natural position is at the margin of a pool or in shallow 
water, but it is well worthy of cultivation a little further into the 
pond. Should it grow too strongly it is very amenable to cutting, 
and is improved thereby as an aquatic; though for ornamental 
purposes, and as an insect producer, it is better to allow the 
plants full scope. It does not spread too much and can be 
readily thinned out in summer should such an operation at any 
time be considered necessary. ‘The flower stems of this plant are 
rather handsome, and, if cut in September, will last all the winter 
through, and make handsome adornments for an entrance hall, or 
the corner of a room, or in smaller tufts, on the mantel-piece or 
sideboard. 
