Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1890-05-17

If desirable these tubs may be set on
platform on rollers instead of sunk in
the ground, and can thus be kept in
doors during the winter. Kept filled
with water they will come out early in
the spring.
A very elaborate and beautiful affair,
which is really a joy forever, if one
cares to stand the expense, can be
made by cooper. This should be
constructed of heavy ash or oak slaves.
with false bottom, the upper one, not
too heavy, we'll perforated with two
inch holes, and should be about six
inches from the true bottom, leaving
about eighteen inches clear space at
the top. Plant the roots in the bottom
space, fill with dirt as in the other in
stances, mount on large, strong cas-
tiers, and you have a very cheap and
large aquarium, in which many beau
tiful fish and water animals may be
kept, which could not be made to
thrive in an ordinary aquarium, even
with fountain and constant supply of
fresh water. In ours We have many
kinds, such as spoon-bill cats, gars,
shovel-noses, and the like.
The roots of the water lily grow in
continuous lengths, hence will crowd
and limit the tub if not taken up and
cut back; remove the forward or crown
end in trimming to about six inches In
length, and replant in new loan as be-
fore. This plant can be set with equal
success in fall or spring. If, when the
roots are secured, the tub is not in
readiness, place in q pail of water, and
they will keep fresh and hearty several
days or a week, and will take root as
readily as if first placed in the soil.
The better plan, however, when prac-
ticable. is to have all things in readi-
ness before the roots are secured, then
dig up, carry home in pail of water,
or pack in wet moss or damp cloths,
being careful not to wrap too deep, and
plant as soon as the tub can be reached ;
in which event, failure to grow will not
result one time in hundred, if all the
conditions are carefully observed.
Another beautiful aquatic plant is
the Pontederia cordata (arrow-head).
1t can be grown together with the
lily if desired, but unless the pond is
large it is better to use separate to
avoid crowding. 1t grows about eigh-
teen inches in height, has long-stalked
leaves of the form of an arrowhead,
with a one-Ieaved stem terminating IN
a spike of purplish-blue flowers. 1t is
admired more, however, for its dark
green foliage than for its bloom,
though, small as it is, it is fragrant,
This plant grows in shallow water, and
its root increases in size by throwing
out new crowns from year to year
until it becomes a large bushy
plant. 1t can be grown in tubs
or urns in the yard or flower pots in
the house as desired. Any vessel that
will hold water, fill two thirds of fine
loan, put III the root and cover in the
center lightly, fill the vessel with
water and keep moist; they will grow
every time without fMl. If for the
aquarium, plant the same as water
lilies. If it is desired to grow both
together, it is better to leave place
in the center of the tub large enough
for the Pontederia root, and cover same
as lilies. No particular directions are
needed. The tub, however large,
will soon be full. Besides, there are
many other aquatic plants that will
grow equally in tubs.