4 THE FLORIST AND 
the fronds. Some sorts continue thromng up young fronds throughout the 
year ; others are periodical in this respect, and require a season of rest : 
that is, partial suspension of watering. The Aerostichum alcieorne, and 
stemaria, will readily cling and grow to a flat piece of board, if held to it 
at first by a piece of wire ; in the stove, this is a curious way to grow 
them. In fact, a variety of ways might be devised, in which these neglected 
plants might be made to add beauty to the green or hothouse. For soil, 
an equal mixture of very fibry loam and peat will be found suitable, with 
the additions recommended above. But perhaps enough has been said on 
this (to many) dry subject, so that the sooner it is done the better. If it 
gets admitted by the Editor, a "hobby" will have been ridden by a "friend 
to the family." 
Edgar Sandess. 
NYMPH^A C^RULEA.- 
At the December meeting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 
Mr. Cope's gardener exhibited a leaf and flower of Nym'phcea ccerulea. We 
consider it worthy of especial mention, as not so much attention is given to 
the cultivation of aquatics as should be. Since the introduction of the 
Victoria into England, the interest felt in these plants has been increasing, 
and the collections have been increased not only by introduction of new 
species, especially from New Holland, but also by hybrids, of which the 
most remarkable perhaps are the JSfymphcea Devoniana of Paxton, and the 
Nymphcea Ortgiesiana of Van Houtte's gardens. We have in our own 
neighborhood two of the most beautiful species, the Nymphcea odorata, the 
sweet-scented white water lily, and the Nelumhium luteum, or water Chin- 
quapin, so called from the appearance of its seed. This last, from its large 
size and deep color, is a very ornamental plant; and I have been told 
of its covering a half mile of the low grounds overflowed by our western 
rivers. 
Mr. Cope, who first grew the Victoria in this country, has since procured 
the Nelumhium speeiosum from India, a species resembling our N. luteum, 
but of a deep pink color. This proved hardy last winter, growing in an 
open tank with its native congener. The Nymphcea ccerulea is a still more 
recent introduction ; that is, its introduction to cultivation in this country. 
' It was described by Savigny in 1802. The flowers are three to four inches 
in diameter, with twelve to twenty petals, which are white at the base and 
deep blue above. 
