Nelumbium speciosum (Sacred Bean).—An Egyptian water-plant of very great beauty, with round sea-green leaves from 10 ins. to over a foot in diameter, some of which float on the surface of the water, while others are elevated above it at various heights up to 2½ ft. Above the highest leaves appear the large, solitary, white, rosy-tipped flowers, which are about 10 ins. broad, and are very fragrant. As the plant is somewhat tender, it should be grown in tubs, and placed in rather shallow water (which is more easily warmed by the sun) from the end of May until the end of September in a position
sheltered from sudden changes of the atmosphere. A mixture of good loam, sharp sand, and charcoal seems to answer it best. Multiplied by division of the rootstocks, or by seed. Wherever there is a contrivance for heating the water in a small pond or tank in the open air, these two remarkable plants would be well worth a trial.
Nicotiana Tabacum (Common Tobacco).—There are several varieties of this well-known plant, distinguished by the different length and width of their oblong lance-shaped leaves and the lighter or deeper colour of their rosy flowers. A deep, well-drained, light soil, rich in decayed vegetable matter, is essential to this plant, as is also copious watering in summer. As it is so readily raised from seed, and grows luxuriantly in rich soil, I need not say it is a very desirable subject for association with the Castor-oil plant and the like, and especially suited for the many who desire plants of noble habit, but who cannot preserve the tender ones through the winter under glass. It should be raised in a hotbed, and put out in May. Height, 6 ft. or more. N. macrophylla is the finest variety.
Nicotiana wigandioides.—A species of recent introduction, with a simple stem 6 ft. or more high, and very large, broad, woolly leaves which grow in a somewhat erect position. If placed in a hothouse at the close of the year, it becomes woody and branching, and assumes an arborescent habit. Requires good substantial, well-manured soil, and copious watering. This is a useful plant for grouping with the medium-sized tender subjects in rich, light, well-drained soils, and should be planted out about the middle of May.
*Nuphar advena.—A hardy Water-lily from N. America, with broad, oval-heart-shaped leaves, some floating on the surface of the water, and some emerging well above it. The flowers are rather large, of a golden-yellow colour, with scarlet stamens. This plant is as hardy as our native water-lilies, and is therefore adapted for any position in which they will grow. In N. America it occurs chiefly in still or stagnant waters. The bold and large leaves make it peculiarly suitable for placing near the margin of water in the vicinity of groups of picturesque plants.