ELEVEN [MPOETANT WILD-DUCK POODS. 23 
which have been thought to represent distinct species, may be largely 
due (o conditions under which the plants were grown. 
Water-weed Las had various scientific names applied to it, and the 
following may be encountered in trade catalogues: Philotria, Elodea, 
and Anacharis. The specific name that has been most commonly 
used in t his country is canadensis. Dealers in aquarium plants usually 
list a form of water-weed known as Anacharis canadensis gigantea. 
Fig. 20.— Water- weed. A diffuse form. 
DISTRIBUTION. 
Water-weeds grow naturally throughout most of North America. 
PROPAGATION. 
Water-weed propagates itself from pieces of leafy stem or root. It 
is tenacious of life, and if shipment in good condition is achieved, no 
trouble will be experienced in obtaining a stand of the plant. Bury 
the roots or bases of stems in the bottom in shallow water for quick 
results. The plant will grow, however, if only thrown in water 
shallow enough (3 feet or less) to allow it to send roots to the bottom. 
It likes a loam or sandy loam and does not grow in clay. Either still 
or running waters are suitable. When established it will spread to 
water up to 10 feet in depth. 
