HARDY WATER PLANTS. 
305 
dammed back sufficiently to allow the bottom to be reached ; 
but where this cannot be done it is possible to plant the lilies 
in large wicker baskets filled with a similar rich soil, and to 
sink these baskets into the required positions. In such 
baskets, provided they are big enough to hold a few bushels 
of soil each, the plants make good progress, and by the time 
the wicker has rotted away the roots will have become a net- 
work that will hold the soil together. In ponds, etc., that can 
easily be emptied it is advisable to draw off the water each 
spring, and to give the plants a rich top-dressing of manure, 
on the surface of which a few stones may be thinly distributed, 
these helping to keep the dressing in position. Advantage 
should be taken of the opportunity given to thin out some of 
the weakest side growths, as the flowers and leaves will be 
finer for the relief thus obtained, but it is w'ell to remember 
that all these operations should be completed in a few hours, 
and, if possible, on a dull, showery day. In planting, which 
should take place about the end of April or early in May, 
arrange the plants singly or in isolated groups far enough 
apart, say 20ft., to prevent them growing together. 
Where no ponds are available, but a concreted tank or 
aquaria, the lilies should be potted in good-sized pots and sunk 
in the water in such a manner that the principal crown of the 
plant is about a foot thereunder; even more shallow water will 
do, especially when the kinds are of less vigorous growth, as, 
for instance, the small, sweet-scented Water Lily (Nymphaea 
odorata minor). A still more simple way is to get petroleum 
barrels, cut them in halves, extract most of the oil by burning 
them out, and, in order to preserve them longer, tar the 
outside ; after this, fill up with water for a few days to make 
sure they do not leak, then sink them in the ground on a 
level, put good loam into them, leaving enough room for 
the water. Plant during April or May, and change the water 
every now and then, keeping it clean from weeds and dead 
leaves. During the winter cover the tubs with boards, and 
change the soil early in the spring each year. Care should 
be taken that the position of these tanks or tubs is in every 
case sunny and sheltered. 
Increased by seeds sown in pots of loam submerged in 
water in a vrarm greenhouse ; also by division of the plants in 
summer. 
Myriophyllum. — M. proserpinacoides is a graceful, 
rapid-growing aquatic plant, with lovely green feathery foliage. 
It is a native of Brazil, and belongs to the Nat. Ord. Halo 
raginaceae. A pretty plant to grow in shallow water where there 
is plenty of mud for the roots to revel in. Increased by divi- 
sion in spring. 
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