60 TLANT8 FOR THE 



is known as the English brooklimc (V. Bcccabuvga) is not 

 found here at all. 



Tiik Water Soldier (Stratiotes abides, PI. III., Fig. 4) is 

 common, and may be known from its resembling the toj> 

 leaves of a pineapple growing beneath the water. 



The Pond-weeds (1'otamogdon) arc excellent plants for 

 the Aquarium. There arc twelve species growing in this 

 country ; but neither of the two English species (P. cris- 

 pus and P. daisies) arc fouud here. 



IV. PLANTS FLOATING ON TIIE SURFACE. 



The Duckweeds (Lcmnacca) of which there are five 

 species in this country, arc all excellent plants for the 

 Aquarium, as they not only aerate the water, but give 

 that green shade which is so beneficial, and, indeed, to a 

 certain extent, necessary to the well-being of the fish ; and 

 they also harbor, among and beneath their leaves, numerous 

 microscopic animals, which serve as food for the fish. 

 These plants consist of three, four or five rounded oval 

 leaves, connected together, but which soon separate and 

 float upon the surface of the water, looking as if they 

 were the torn-off leaves of some other plant. When, 

 however, these leaves arc turned over, the under side will 

 be found to be of a. "brownish purple color and have 

 from one to five roots growing from the most pointed 

 part down into the water, but never attached to the bot- 

 tom or to any other plant. Their flowering is curious and 

 interesting to watch in the spring, when one of the leaves 

 will be found to bear the stamens, and another the pistil. 



