BOTANICAL INDEX. 
02 
tions in regard to the Sagittarias. There are several kinds of them growing in the 
swamps here, but all the specimens I have noted have fibrous roots. I will look more 
carefully after them this season, and report to you. The water has been so high 
here this Spring, that I have been unable to get out to where Nuphar polysepa turn 
grows. They are already in bloom, and I do not know that it would do to send them 
now. I planted the seed which you sent me, in the swamp, and they are growing 
nicely. * * * * With many kind wishes, I remain, 
MRS. R. M. A. 
Willis, Texas, June 9, 1879. 
Mr. L. B. Case. — Dear Sir: In your Botanical Index of July, 1878, I note 
your remarks on the Nelumbium. You solicit correspondence &c., that more may 
be developed as to the nature &e. of this beautiful plant. In response to your in- 
vitation, I write, not to enlighten others, but, if possible, to so place myself in com- 
munication with those who are informed, that I may learn. It was my privilege 
last July to come unexpectedly upon a pond containing this plant. I had known it 
in my childhood in another portion of our State, but had never heard it mentioned 
here as being among the growth of our water plants. At the time this pond was 
first seen, the Lily was in full bloom. The portion of the lake containing the plants 
was absolutely covered with the rich green of the magnificent leaves, towering 
above which was the bloom, in every stage of development, presenting one of the 
most beautiful pictures I ever beheld. In November I again visited the pond, and 
secured quite a quantity of the seed ; these I placed in the ground under water, and 
in water alone in bottles, in our early Spring, now, some three and one-half months 
ago; so far as may yet be observed, no impression has been made on the germ, and 
the seeds seem as hard and horny as when placed there. Other of the seed 1 cut the 
horny covering from, and these sprang up immediately; and from these I now have 
some beautiful young plants. How long will it take these plants to reach blooming 
maturity? If there should be any information that I could give by observation here, 
l will cheerfully supply it. * * * Very respectfully. &c., 
WILLIS FULLIXIVIDER. 
New Orleans, La., February 25, 1879. 
Mr. L. B. Case. — Sir : Your kind answer to my last has been on hand some time 
waiting attention. I had hoped that ere this, one of my roses would have reached 
you; but I am sorry to say that I was unfortunate enough to break the root of the 
plant I had so carefully saved for you. * * * * 
We have had a fearful summer, but “no sickness came near our dwelling.” * 
* * * We all prayed for frost, long before frost time. At length it came, and 
so furiously did it come down upon us, that we thought we had almost too severe a 
winter for this south land. Such freezing weather is uncommon here. For days, 
our ever-green landscapes were transformed with scenes of white, rime, sparkling 
ice. Our grass was like snow fields, and our trees, bending under the weight of 
clearly frozen rain, took strange and fantastic forms of icy beauty. Our evergreens 
looked like frozen fountains — stiff, white and cold, shining in the sun. Our sun- 
light never leaves us more than two days in the shade; so for two days, those who 
like such weather, enjoyed it ; but the third day our boreal scene dissolved away, 
and I, for one, was glad. The Spring is fairly upon us. My little ilower garden is 
bursting into fresh leaf, and I do think the long, cold winter has been of benefit to 
us in more ways than the killing off of yellow fever, as it has given our deciduous 
plants a good long rest. I expect splendid roses this year. The cold played havoc 
with my succulent plants in my little greenhouse, and I have grieved over the dozens 
of pots containing my lifeless pets which I have nursed and cared for so long. My 
vegetable garden is coming on ; all sorts of seeds already planted, and peas six inches 
high. * * * * Respectfully, M. B. B. 
N. B. Apropos of the yellow fever, we are all fearful of another visitation. 
If it comes, we will be ruined; for, as a State, we are bad enough off without this 
terrible scourge. M. B. B. 
Morris, III., May 3, 1879. 
Mr. Case. — Sir: Perhaps you would like to know how your former customer 
succeeds with her plants here in Illinois. My window is just a beauty, and a great 
comfort to me. Although I have many cares, I am never tired of caring for my 
plants. They are a refreshing rest. They do so nicely. I can't tell you all the va- 
rieties which have given me their bright blossoms all the winter; we have never 
been without several. King frost never got hold of one leaf, and I have scarcely 
seen a bug. My window has glass doors between it and my sitting-room, so I have 
no dust or dry air. My Achaenia has taken the lead; it blossomed all Summer; I then 
removed it to my window, where it has had from three to ten blossoms every day 
