WATER-LILIES. 
277 
At the present day, the lotus is more honored in Asia than in 
Egypt. The Hindoos still consider it a sacred flower. In Cey- 
lon, they have a variety which they call Nelumbo, whence our own 
name. A number of varieties are said to be found in China, 
where it is also sacred ; this does not prevent the Chinese from 
eating it, however, and it is much cultivated by them as an arti- 
cle of food. The seeds of the Lien Wha, as they call it, are of 
the form and size of an acorn, and are considered more delicate 
than almonds ; the root, also, is boiled ; or sliced raw, and served 
with ice in summer ; or laid up in salt and vinegar for winter use. 
These fine plants seem to have an aversion to the soil or climate 
of Europe ; it is said that the ancient Romans attempted to culti- 
vate them in Italy, without success, and that modern European 
horticulturists have also failed in their efforts to cultivate them in 
hot-houses. And yet, in this part of the world, the Nelumbo 
grows in the icy waters of Lake Ontario. Both the large seeds, 
and the root of our American variety, are said to be very pleasant 
to the taste — the latter is not unlike the sweet potato. 
