HARDY WATER PLANTS. 
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work. The plant is too well known to need description here. 
Suffice it to say it will thrive in shallow ponds in sheltered 
positions, and flower freely every year. The tuberous root- 
stocks should be planted in mud about a foot below the surface 
of the water. Plant in spring. Increased by division of the 
root-stocks in March. The variety Little Gem is equally 
suited for outdoor culture. The species is a native of N. 
Africa and a member of the Nat. Ord. Aroideae. 
Sagfittaria. (Arrowhead). — A genus of hardy aquatic 
perennials, belonging to the Water Plantain order (Alismaceae). 
S. sagittifolia is a native species, with arrow-like leaves on 
long stalks, and white flowers with purplish anthers borne 
in whorls on scapes r8in. to 2ft. high in summer. S. sagitti- 
folia flore pleno has double blossoms. S. variabilis is a N. 
American species with white flowers and golden anthers. 
There is also a double form of it. There are other species, but 
not so good as the preceding ones. These do well in shallow' 
water about a foot deep. Plant the roots in the mud in April. 
Increased by seeds sown in April in sandy soil in pots partly 
submerged in the water; also by division in April. 
ScBrpus (Bulrush). — The Native Bulrush (S. lacustris) 
is a native plant often met with growing in shallow w'ater. It 
grows 4 to 5ft. high, and bears reddish-brown inflorescence 
in July and August. S. Tabernasmontana zebrinus is a 
variety of the above, the stems of w'hich are ringed w'ith yellow. 
It is known as the Variegated Porcupine Rush. Both are 
suitable for growing on the margins of shallow water. Plant 
in spring. Increased by division. Sedge order (Cyperacere). 
Stratiotes (Water Soldier). — The only species is S. 
aloides, a native of the ponds and ditches of Britain, and a 
very interesting hardy aquatic to grow on the margins of 
shallow ponds or water-courses. It has long green leaves 
armed with spiny teeth on the margins, and bears yellowish, 
white and greenish flowers on spikes in summer. Plant in 
the mud in April. Increased by division in spring. Nat. Ord. 
Hydrocharidacete. 
Thalia. — T. dealbata, a native of Southern Califonia, is a 
hardy aquatic perennial of considerable beauty, growing 4 to 
5ft. high, and bearing blue and purple flowers in elegant 
panicles during the summer. A very beautiful plant to grow 
in bold masses along the muddy margins of shallow water- 
courses. It likes a warm, sheltered position. The root-stocks 
should be planted about a foot below the water. If the mud 
is shallow, and the subsoil clayey, dig out the clay to a width 
X 2 
