36 On the Management of Aquatic Plants. 



raised from seed ; which will retain its vegetative power for 

 40 years, and with every advantage, in a fair season, produce 

 blossom the first summer. It is generally grown in large 

 tubs, with a few inches depth of water over the surface of the 

 mould, placed in the tan bed of the stove. By these means, 

 I raised a fine plant last year: the seed was sown in May, 

 and threw up several flower buds, which did not come to per- 

 fection, but most probably would have done so, had the seed 

 been sown two months earlier. The leaves produced were 

 about two feet in diameter ; but the plant went off in the win- 

 ter, notwithstanding it was treated in the manner hitherto 

 found the most successful ; which has been, to allow the tub 

 to remain in the tan, and become nearly dry, giving it no 

 more water, than the other plants around it. At Canton, it 

 seems, they drain the ponds wherein it grows, and use the 

 roots for food; but whether fibres of it are the parents of the 

 ensuing crop, or the ponds are replenished by seedlings, does 

 not appear. Both are probable, as the roots, which have 

 been kept nearly dry in our hot-houses, if but a very small 

 piece has remained alive, have become vigorous blooming 

 plants, as well as those from seed. 



Nelumbium luteum : of this but little account can be given. 

 I have raised the plant from seed, and once succeeded in 

 keeping one out of three, through the winter, by following 

 the foregoing method. But it made but little progress, dur- 

 ing the ensuing summer, and perished in the autumn. As a 

 considerable quantity of seed has recently been brought over, 

 it is to be hoped, we shall become better acquainted with 

 the habit, and culture of both species. 



