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WATER LILIES AND AQUATICS. 



Aquatic Department. 



Water gardening is a recognized leading feature in all our public parks and gardens at the present time, and an 

 indication of the horticultural taste. Floriculture has made rapid strides, but in no line is it so demonstrated as in 

 Aquatics. This has been particularly noticeable during the past year by large additions to this class of plants in promi- 

 nent parks, especially those of recent construction, while in projected ones the Aquatic Garden is a prominent feature. 

 During the past season our ponds at Riverton have been a great source of attraction, and have been the subject of many 

 articles in the leading Philadelphia newspapers. The Victorias and tropical Nymphseas were in splendid condition, and 

 flowered profusely; they revelled in the tropical weather experienced dming August, when other flowering plants 

 were parched and shrivelled up. Flowers exhibited bv us at the Convention of the Society of American Florists at 

 Cleveland, Ohio ; also at Springfield and Boston, Mass.", and Philadelphia, were awarded the highest honors, certificates, 

 and diplomas, which speaks volumes for Aquatic Gardening, and nothing at the exhibitions attracted so much attention 

 as a table of Water Lilies. 



The cultivation of Aquatics is of the simplest ; their requirements are sunshine, water and rich soil — the latter must 

 not be lost sight of. They are divided into two classes, hardy and tender; the former may be planted in ponds, lakes 

 or sluggish streams, early in spring, and under the same conditions as our native Water Lily, they will grow luxuriantly 

 and flower profusely until cut down by frost They will winter under precisely like conditions as the native variety ; 

 provide the same conditions in artificial ponds or tanks, and the results will be equally satisfactory ; where the same are 

 grown in tubs, some protection is necessary in winter ; but care must be taken that they are not warm enough to excite 

 growth or so cold as to freeze. Plant the tender varieties at the approach of warm weather and when the water is 

 warm. The plants can be grown in pots where protection can be afforded them until safe to transfer to summer quarters. 

 The after-treatment is the same as for the hardv varieties. 



Victoria Regia.— [Reproduced from a photograph.) 



Tender Water Lilies. 



Night Blooming Varieties. 



The following varieties are among the choicest of Aquatic plants, and most valuable for cut flowers (excepting Vic- 

 torias). Unlike che native and European varieties, which open with the rising sun and close after noon, these open after 

 sunset and remain open until after sunrise, and in dull weather and toward fall remain open until noon. These 

 cannot be planted out in the open tank until warm weather. 



VICTORIA REGIA. 



(The Royal Water Lily.) 



Of all the family of Water Lilies, the grandest and the most gorgeous is this species. It inhabits the tranquil bays 

 and lakes of the great streams of South America. Its gigantic leaves are from five to six feet across, turned ap round 

 the edges, the upper surface of a deep brilliant green, the under side a vivid crimson ; furnished with strong veins, which 

 are cellular, filled with air, and form a regular and elegant network. The interior surface of the leaf, as well as the foot- 

 stalks of the leaves and flowers, are covered with prominent and elastic prickles. The peculiar formation of the under 

 surface of the leaves imparts to them great buoyancy. The flowers are not less marvelous than the leaves, being, when 

 expanded, twelve to fifteen inches in diameter ; the petals are very numerous ; their color at first pure white, passing by 

 successive shades into a rosy hue, and a lively red, and they exhale an agreeable odor not unlike a rich pineapple during 

 the first day of blooming. In the States north of Virginia it is safer to provide artificial heat in the tank, as the season 

 would be too short for the plants to fully develop, although the plants -will make rapid growth and their odd foliage prove 

 a great source of pleasure, attraction and wonderment. One of the most striking features of this wonderful Aquatic is 

 that, as grown here, it is but an annual, and that such marvelous results are accomplished in the short space of six 

 months. Price of plants, 85.00, S7.50 and §10.00 each, according to size. 



VICTORIA RANDI. 



(New Crimson Victoria.) 



This variety is of recent introduction, and is a very desirable and showy species. It is very similar to V. Regia. ex- 

 cept the vertical edges of the leaves are deeper, and the flowers, though opening white, change to a deep crimson. $5.00, 

 $7.50 and 810.00 each. 



Victoria plants can be safelv shipped to a long distance, but we strongly recommend that only the largest and 

 strongest plants be sent. 



