1898.] ESSAYS. 127 



The Zizania Aquatica, or Indian Rice, is an annual and very 

 ornamental. Its graceful panicles are produced on stalks six 

 to eiijht feet hio-h. 



Typha Latifolia, or Common Cat-tail, is too well known to 

 need description, but is none the less effective. Do not allow 

 this to get a very strong foothold if your pond is small, as it 

 will soon monopolize the entire space. It is better to grow this 

 on the border outside of the pond if you have an artificial one, 

 and if kept well watered it will thrive and contribute its valued 

 effect. 



The Iris Kempferi, or Japanese Iris, can be planted on the 

 edge of a pond or where it can be occasionally submerged. 

 The flowers are from 6 to 10 inches in diameter and vary from 

 pure white to royal purple in color. This Japanese Iris is one 

 of the handsomest of the whole genus, and when in flower one 

 of the handsomest of all garden perennials. It is beloved by 

 the Japanese, who make holidays to visit the Iris beds when the 

 plants are in flower ; a sight which for delicacy of texture and 

 beauty of color is unsurpassed. It is worthy of a place by 

 itself, and ought to receive more attention in the parks and pri- 

 vate estates than it does. It is sometimes called a sub-aquatic. 



The Acorus Gramineus variegatus, or variegated Sweet Flag, 

 has green and white striped leaves, and is capable of making an 

 attractive feature. 



The Lobelia Cardinalis, or Cardinal flower, prized for its 

 most beautiful of all colors, thrives well near the edge of a 

 pond. 



There should be a suitable planting for a background on the 

 north and northwest portion of the pond to protect the lilies 

 from the cold winds. Native trees of graceful habits can be 

 utilized for a little distance from the pond, with willows and 

 grasses between and coming down to the water's edge. The 

 following can be very successfully used in the adjacent border : 



Arundo donax is a giant grass which grows to a height of 

 ten or twelve feet, and makes noble clumps ; also a variegated 

 form of the same. 



Various kinds of Bamboos are desirable. 



