30 ALPINE OR ROCK-PLANTS. 



whence, is the Pond to be supplied with water ? 

 This may be accomplished in several ways ; but 

 what I consider the best and most economical, is by 

 means of a drain from wherever the water is near- 

 est, and again another drain can be made to take 

 off the superfluous water from the Pond, Leaden 

 pipes are used; but I cannot see their advantage 

 over good firm drains. A small lead pipe, however, 

 could be introduced into the supplying drain, and 

 led over the top of the Rockery. Besides being bene- 

 ficial to the plants during the heat of summer, it 

 would have the appearance of a rill, and would thus 

 contribute to beautify the locality. 



After the Pond has been allowed to dry for some 

 little time, perhaps three or four days, it is neces- 

 sary to see that the clay is not cracking, and should 

 it show the least appearance of this it must be beat 

 up instantaneously. After being dry, some suitable 

 soil for the plants to strike root in, must be laid in 

 the bottom. It may be composed of ditch cleanings, or 

 soil from any other marshy place, cleared of noxious 

 weeds, and mixed with gravel and some peat; then 

 a thick layer of it can be placed in the bottom. 

 The water may now be admitted. 



The formation of a Bog for plants requiring this 

 mode of treatment, may be accomplished at one 

 corner of the Pond, simply by placing stones edge- 

 wise on the outside, to prevent the soil, &c., from 

 being carried into the Pond. The soil, of course, 

 must be bog-mould, or black peat and Sphagnum, a 



