464 OUTDOOR LIFE IN ENGLAND 



easily attended to, but also because the general 

 depth of water which is requisite is more easily 

 maintained. This depth should never exceed 

 six inches, and at times may have to be reduced 

 to little more than one inch ; but whatever the 

 depth required, the flow of water must be constant 

 and gentle. 



The beds are usually cut out into large squares, 

 divided by means of low earth embankments, the 

 water flowing from one bed to the other through 

 drain-pipes or miniature sluices. Where prac- 

 ticable, these are arranged in tiers one above the 

 other until the level of the spring-head is reached. 

 Needless to remark, the beds must be kept 

 scrupulously clean, and free from weeds or any 

 rooty growth, and where the bottom is sound and 

 hard this becomes an easy matter. 



When the beds are planted, the best plants are 

 selected, preference being given to those taken 

 from other soil ; the roots are cut off and thrown 

 away, and the cuttings thus obtained are scattered 

 thinly and broadcast over the bed in about an 

 inch or two of water. Where the flow of water is 

 at all over-strong they are kept in their places by 

 means of stones laid on them. This planting 

 generally takes place during July, August, or Sep- 

 tember, according to the time when the crops 

 may be required, each bed being annually freshly 

 planted. The cuttings soon strike, and grow 

 vigorously, and when in bloom bear a small white 

 flower. Plants laid in July will yield a fair crop 



