The Water Garden and the Mosquito Problem 143 



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Coryrk 



How mosquitoes breed in the absence of the goldfish 



and a row of stepping-stones was placed between the outlet and the shore, 

 thus bringing the overflow pipe within easy reach. 



Along the lower margin were set out marsh marigolds, and forget-me- 

 nots, and different varieties of water-grasses. Arrow-head and pickerel- 

 weed were also started along the grassy border, and all along the farther 

 and broader end of the pond were grouped masses of large Japanese iris, 

 to serve as a background for the water-lilies, which were to be the principal 

 features of the water garden. When ready for planting, the water was 

 drawn out of the pond until only a few inches remained. Planks were then 

 placed upon the bottom, and, walking out upon them, I set out the lilies, 

 pushing the rhizomes firmly down into the muddy soil. 



After the plants were all in place, in order to keep the water as warm 

 as possible until the new growth began, the pond was kept about half full. 

 Then, as the tender foliage started and the lily-pads came near the surface, 

 the level was raised a few inches at a time. Where it is not practicable to 

 control the garden in this way, the rootstocks may be pushed down into the 

 mud with a long pole ; but the growth will be much more rapid and vigorous 

 if, at the start, the water can be kept quite shoal and warm. The pond was 



