Chapter FOURTEEN 



THERE is special delight in the cultiva- 

 tion of aquatics, due partly to the 

 novelty of the work, and partly to 

 the feeling of rest associated with 

 this particular branch of floriculture. 

 One can rarely go into the garden in the early sum- 

 mer without seeing something to do, a plant to be 

 trimmed, or a vine the wind has blown down, and 

 always plants needing water. When the lily pond is 

 reached, be it natural or artificial, one feels that here 

 there is rest, for an established lily pond seldom needs 

 care. In small tanks the water must be renewed 

 occasionally, but once a week will be sufficient. 



Probably the simplest way of constructing a lily 

 pond where the lay of the land and soil are favour- 

 able, is to mark out a desired area, remove about two 

 feet of soil and turn the cattle on it. With stiff clay 

 soil this will in a few months give a bottom suffi- 

 ciently hard to hold water. Spread several inches of 

 muck and old manure on this prepared ground and 

 the place is ready for the water, which may be piped 



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