A LILY TANK 147 



you see the level lines of water-surface jewelled with 

 the lovely floating bloom of white and pink and 

 tender rose colour, the steps into the tank on the 

 near and far sides still further insisting on the re- 

 pose of the level line. The eye and mind are thus in 

 the best state of preparation for enjoying the bold 

 uprightness of growth of the Cannas. In the flower 

 borders next the wall I would have Lilies, and plants 

 mostly of Lily-like character, Crinums and Funkias, 

 and of the true Lilies a limited number of kinds — the 

 noble White Lily, L. Harrisi, L . longijlorum, L. Browni, 

 and white and rosy forms of L. speciosum. These 

 would grow out of the groups of the beautiful pale- 

 foliaged Funkia grandiflora and of the tender green 

 of the Lady Fern and of Harts-tongue. I would not 

 let the walls be too much covered with creepers, for 

 I hold that wherever delicate architecture marries 

 with gardening, the growing things should never over- 

 run or smother the masonry ; but in the Lily court I 

 would have some such light-running creeping things 

 as can be easily led and trained within bounds, such 

 as Clematis Flammula^ blue Passion Flower, and, if 

 climate allows, Rhodochiton volubilcy Cobcea scatidens, 

 and Solanuin jasuiinoides. These would be quite 

 enough, and even perhaps too many. 



The half-round niches to right and left are partly 

 occupied by small basins, into which water falls, 

 through a sculptured inlet, from a height of some 

 feet. From these it runs under the flagged pathway 

 into the tank. Two overflows pass underground from 

 this to right and left of the Canna niche, from which 



