120 GAKDEJiTING FOR PLEASURE. 



position, for these plants will not do their best unless the 

 water is thoroughly warmed. On the north side may be a 

 border filled with Musas, Cannas, Bamboos, Ornamental 

 Grasses, Caladiums, etc., which form a fine background 

 for the Water Lilies, and give the whole a tropical ap- 

 pearance. 



In such a tank as above described, the tenderest 

 species named may, in this latitude, be planted out by 

 the 10th of June, and remain until the frosts of autumn 

 appear. If it is desired to enjoy the longest possible 

 season of bloom in the open air, then the Lily pond may 

 be located near a greenhouse, and some connection made 

 with the hot-water boiler. My manner of doing this is 

 to extend the hot-water pij^e (both flow and return) from 

 the boiler to the tank, and reaching a few inches inside 

 of the wall. The ends of these pipes are left open, and 

 when extra heat is wanted a fire is kept in the boiler. 

 The circulation being constant between tank and boiler, 

 the water in the tank may thus be warmed early in the 

 spring, the tender Lilies planted out earlier, and thus 

 earlier bloom be the result. Fire heat can be discon- 

 tinued as soon as the summer sun begins to do its work. 

 The season of bloom can be prolonged in the autumn in 

 the same manner. As soon as frosty weather arrives the 

 tender species should be taken under glass, and kept in 

 water at fifty-five to sixty degrees, according to the 

 variety. 



For the protection of the tank in winter, place planks 

 or boards around the edge in such a manner as to cover 

 a space two or three feet in width, that is, over the 

 water, and cover them with a thick layer of leaves or litter. 

 This will help to keep the ice from forming at the edge, 

 and, consequently, from expanding too much and cracking 

 the walls. Another plan is to drain the water entirely 

 from the pond, and cover with twelve or fifteen inches of 

 leaves. Any one having a large factory could place a 



