148 How to Make a Flower Garden 



vegetable matter which furnishes abundant plant-food for nymphseas and 

 other aquatic plants. 



The location of the pond may first receive attention. A water-lily 

 pond should be at a convenient distance from the dwelHng-house and easy 

 of access. Its near proximity to the dwelling-house can not be considered 

 a menace, since mosquitoes may be kept in check by means of goldfish. 

 If possible, select a site where the ground slopes gently toward the pond; 

 but if the ground is level or nearly so, the soil taken from the excavation 

 may be used to form a bank on one side or end, which, by judicious planting, 

 will present a pleasing and natural effect. The water-level of the pond 

 should be a few mches below the ground-line. 



Having selected the site and decided as to the shape, it will be a wise 

 policy to err on the side of making the basin too large rather than too small. 

 If you have never grown water-lihes and do not know what "tropical vegeta- 

 tion" means, it will be difficult for you to reaHse how much space should 

 be allotted a given number of plants. It is one of the commonest mistakes 

 to crowd a great many plants into a little pool. Three water-plants are 

 put into an ordinary tub, where there is not sufficient space for one. Of 

 course there is a limit to the size of a pond, but I would suggest going to the 

 extreme; it is far better than having to enlarge afterward, or having to 

 content oneself with a pond that is too small. However, I should not 

 advise any one to make a pond so large that it will be out of proportion 

 with the rest of the garden. 



The best way to make a pond will in most cases be the simplest and the 

 most nature-like. Study the existing conditions in every case, and make 

 use of the materials at hand. Clay, gravel, rough stones or bricks may be 

 used for construction. Puddled clay will make a water-tight basin. The 

 clay should be at least four inches thick on sides and bottom. If boxes or 

 tubs are to be used, the bottom should be covered with sand, otherwise 

 the soil may be placed on the clay bottom. Cover the sides with sod. There 

 is much labour in constructing a pond of clay, and, although it may appear 

 cheap, I would not recommend this method of construction unless the clay 

 can be had for the digging and all hauling can be done without hiring teams. 

 Gravel and like materials that can be used as concrete will answer the purpose 

 well. The sides and bottom should be covered with four inches of the same, 

 with a facing of Portland cement an inch thick. Rough stones laid in cement 

 may also be used for the same purpose. The walls should be about eight 



