204 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[September, 
As it is, in order to bring in the systematic portion (which is better handled in 
other works) the economic portion is condensed within bounds which are far too 
narrow for such a subject. In a general way, the portion of the book thus 
occupied is full of interest, so much so that the reader naturally wishes it had 
been more ample. We notice a few slips of the pen, as, for instance, where 
the Japanese Larix Kcempferi is referred to as the source of Venice turpentine. 
On the whole, the book is one which may be well recommended for its store 
of really valuable information. A more complete index is a desideratum, and 
one which we trust may be supplied in a second edition. 
AQUATICS.— Chapter Y. 
UEEN of Hardy Aquatics is the Nymphcea alba , universally known as the 
White Water-Lily. Thus although water-plants are not over popular 
with the many, so that one runs the risk of being accused of having a 
strong affinity for mud while attempting to portray the peculiarities, and 
it may be the beauties, of some of the less attractive sorts, the present subject is 
such a general favourite that, in the present instance, we may fairly hope to escape 
any such accusation. The Water-Lily is also so well known that there need be 
no elaborate description in order to identify it, though a few remarks may be 
acceptable to some, for it certainly ought to be planted in every lake or pond where 
there is room for it. The lovely flowers are produced in the greatest profusion, 
and are from 4 in. to 5 in. across ; the 4 outer divisions or sepals are green, while 
the petals, about 24 in number, are of the purest white; thus they have the 
appearance of floating double-white camellias, except that the centres are filled 
with golden-yellow anthers. The leaves are large and handsome, generally from 
6 in. to 9 in. over, and of the form of a buckler ; they afford fine harbour for the 
u slimy tench,” “ voracious jack,” or u spiky perch,” the presence of the former being 
indicated, especially on hot days, by sundry smacks, as if they were sucking 
the leaf, while the dragon-flies are in full vigour, flitting hastily hither and 
thither from leaf to leaf, as if electrified, their bright tubular bodies in some cases 
shining in the sun like so many splints of blue steel, and in others showing a 
beautiful bronzy hue. 
It is so everywhere in nature. If you place a common primrose on your 
window-sill, you will have the bee humming over it as soon as the first flower opens ; 
or if you place an aquatic in your small tank, shortly there will appear the water 
boatman, plying his oars with all his might, as though his very life was at stake, 
though the object of his quick movements does not appear. The tadpoles we leave 
to Darwin, since he will make more of them than we can, and here he could make 
his “ selections ” at leisure, as they abound. To return to our water nymphs. The 
rhizomes are thick and fleshy, from 3 in. to 4 in. in circumference, and from 
these abundance of thong-like roots are produced, which strike deep into the mud. 
The plant is not particular as to depth of water, as if planted in 6 ft. or even 
