CHAPTER XV 

 THIRD WEEK IN APRIL 



SPECIALISING in horticulture, as well as in other 

 pursuits, has its undoubted fascinations, and the 

 study of one special subject is perhaps the best way 

 to learn it perfectly, and therefore to enjoy it most 

 thoroughly. Water, gardening has not, however, hitherto 

 received its due attention, for few of us possess lakes, or 

 even ponds, in which to grow aquatic plants, and it is 

 scarcely yet realised that these places are quite unneces- 

 sary, and that those even who live in a city and have no 

 gardens may yet cultivate these beautiful flowers ; in fact, 

 they may be grown anywhere by any one who has the 

 necessary knowledge of their needs. 



Although broad sheets of water are most beautiful when 

 well planted, they are seldom shallow enough for the roots 

 of the new crimson and pink lilies introduced by M. Latour- 

 Marliac (the loveliest of all the hardy nymphaeas), but these 

 can be grown each one separately in its own tub, without 

 encountering the many troubles from water rats, dogs, cur- 

 rents in the water which bare the lily roots, the pressure of 

 more vigorous plants, and other dangers which have to be 

 faced when these exquisite flowers are hazarded amongst the 

 mass of water plants. Tanks or small ponds, too, can be 

 constructed where convenient, of stone or brickwork lined 

 with cement ; but these should not be more than 2 feet 

 6 inches in depth, and if the sides can be made to shelve 

 gradually in 6 -inch terraces, they will be more convenient 

 for planting the smaller nymphaeas, which must not be sunk 

 too deeply in the water. These plants love the sunshine, so 



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