1871.] THE WATER SUPPLY OF GARDENS. 199 



But there is another point in connection with this important question 

 to which we desire to call attention. There are gardens where the 

 supply of lake and river water is at its source of such an amount and 

 in such a position as sends a superabundant supply by gravitation to 

 the garden ; but the distribution of it and the means of supplying it 

 are so antiquated and inefficient, that it is not half so useful as it is 

 capable of being made. Too often it is brought into a tank or two in 

 or near the garden, and every ounce of water which has to be applied, 

 both out doors and in, has to be lifted and carried and passed through 

 watering-pots, when at least three-fourths of all that is required might 

 be applied with a tenth of the labour. This is what might be described 

 as a splendid supply bungled in its application. If, instead of con- 

 structing expensive tanks, main-pipes were laid on along the sides of 

 paths and walls, to which gutta-percha pipes and hose could be 

 attached, not only could every ground crop be watered when required, 

 but — and it is an operation of great importance — every tree and bush 

 could be vigorously syringed without ever handling a water-pot, 

 engine, or syringe. The same method of applying it is applicable to 

 all inside watering and syringing of such as Vines and Peaches ; and 

 it can be applied in the same way especially to large plants in pots, 

 and to aU such as masses of bedding plants in pits and frames. A boy 

 can thus in may instances administer as much water as half-a-dozen 

 men on the old principle of carrying water in pots — a work of drudgery 

 well known by all gardeners. 



With such means and appliances as this, gardeners would frequently 

 apply water with great benefit to many crops, to the sufferings of which 

 they are obliged to shut their eyes, because they cannot afford the 

 labour necessary to supply sufficient water by sheer force of bone and 

 muscle. How often would Cauliflower and Celery, Lettuce and 

 Spinach, be kept from running to seed. Peas from being destroyed 

 by mildew, and Cabbage from becoming tough and unpalatable ! how 

 frequently would wall fruit-trees and bushes have green-fly and spider 

 washed off them, and how much annoyance from red -spider and 

 shrivelling would often be prevented in Vines, were the manner of 

 applying water in gardens equal even to that by which dust is laid 

 with it on the streets of towns ! 



Turning to flower-gardens, how often does one not meet with newly- 

 planted things all but perishing, after being planted, for lack of a 

 decent supply of water 1 and all the while the rain from the roof of 

 the mansion and stables close by is running away through the sewers, 

 instead of being stored to meet emergencies, to say nothing of daily 

 wants. The water supply of many gardens is simply ridiculous, and 

 we know of nothing so much in need of improvement. 



