1371. ] 
NYMPHiEA ALBA. 
205 
more of water the leaves and flowers will surely come to the surface, and if 
put in at any lesser depth they will not rise higher. 
It may not be out of place here to say a word as to the simplest way of 
planting this and similar strong-growing Aquatics, as it is almost ludicrous to note 
some of the cumbrous modes recommended by persons who seem inclined to 
mystify the subject. Any urchin knows how to dispose of an old offending 
“ grimalkin,” by tying one end of a short string round a brick and the other end 
round the neck of the nocturnal prowler. Behold in this simile all the mystery of 
planting Water-Lilies! If the rhizomes are thrown into the water without 
some weight attached they will certainly rise to the surface, and so float and 
perish ; but when planted in this way, by the time the cord has decayed, they 
will have taken root and become fixed. When the lake is large, it is best to use 
a boat, and just drop them where they are wanted to grow. If near the margin they 
can be thrown in. After this they will take care of themselves. Who has not heard 
of the strife between the white and red roses, and has not admired the old rose 
selected to commemorate the end of that long and sad strife, in the semi-double 
red and white-flaked York and Lancaster , just the flower for an artist, though 
not for the florist, nevertheless a favourite with old and young ? Is it not difficult 
to define whether certain flowers or their associations are productive of the most 
pleasure ? We have seen this rose giving an indescribable charm to the enclosed 
garden plot of the good old farmer’s dame, associated on the one side with southern¬ 
wood and rosemary, and on the other with dwarf box, that was no longer dwarf, 
also with ribbon grass, monkshood, the old Saxifraga crassifolia, and kindred 
antiquities. Again, we have lately seen it planted at the foot of a grave in a 
rural churchyard in Surrey, and blooming in full glory, untouched in its retire¬ 
ment. We saw not the hand of the bereaved one who placed it there : was it 
intended as an emblem of “ Sharon’s Rose,” alluded to in an old Volume long ago 
translated from the Hebrew, and was consolation thus afforded for the loss of 
the missing one ? 
But while most persons have heard of the strife of the Roses, but few have 
dreamt of a feud between the white and yellow Lilies ; yet sad to tell, it is even 
so. It is necessary, therefore, to warn all intending planters against planting the 
white in too close proximity to the yellow, or most certainly the fair white will 
be entirely vanquished by the yellow, and the latter will reign triumphant. This 
most melancholy result is brought about by strangulation, the yellow being much 
more vigorous in constitution than the white. Gerard says :—“ These herbes do 
grow in fennes, standing water, broad ditches, and brooks that run slowly, and 
sometimes in great riuers,” and that “ the flowers being made into oile as yee do 
make oile of Roses, doth cool and refrigerate, causing quiet sleepe, and is good 
also against hot burning feuers.” 
There appears to be a major variety in the ornamental water at Hampton Court, 
and also at Battersea Park, the flowers being of nearly twice the usual size. 
