OR, THE HOME-CULTURE OF FRESH-WATER PLANTS. 
like form assumed by the leaves, in the position 
they invariably take on the surface of the water, 
forming a number of very symmetrical asteriods, 
has given the plant its popular name—a name which 
might be further confirmed in its propriety, if need 
were, by an examination under the microscope, 
in which position a number of minute rosette¬ 
shaped excrescences will be discerned on the leaves, 
occupying, apparently, the position and functions 
of the hairs of other plants. It is so subject to 
vary in its appearance that botanists have been 
much inclined to subdivide the species. 
The Hornwort is always introduced into lists of 
plants for the Aquarium, and is, perhaps, some¬ 
what interesting on account of the horny excre¬ 
scences of its leaves, from which its botanical name 
Ceratopliy lhim , from the Greek ceras , or rather 
her as («€/)«?), a horn, and pliillon (faXKov) a leaf. 
The plant has, however, little beauty, and might 
with advantage, as I think, make way for others. 
The tribe of Duckweeds, however, though 
scarcely more ornamental than the Hornwort, have 
other advantages that compensate for their want 
of beauty. The plants of this family are said to 
derive their botanical name Lemna , from lepis, a 
scale, on account of the close scale-like manner with 
37 
