PKACTICAL BOOK OF GARDEN ARCHITECTURE 



ally attaining a very wide knowledge of unusual sorts 

 from European lakes and ponds, that will readily 

 flourish on our American lakes and ponds. There 

 are said to be at least three naturalists within a few 

 hours of New York City who have world-famous col- 

 lections of these beautiful water birds; and many 

 others can display wonderful collections, although 

 they may not be so widely known. 



Quaint houses built on the margins of the lake 

 to accommodate these water fowl present a decora- 

 tive feature but little known to the average garden 

 until within recent yeajs. Little, low, thatched 

 shelters on the lake border are picturesquely de- 

 signed for the accommodation of the smaller ducks. 

 The big shy ducks, which are not so readily accli- 

 mated when brought from European lake gardens, 

 prefer more secluded houses, back in the shelter of 

 trees and shrubbery. The swans and geese require 

 larger quarters; and with thatch and bamboo and 

 cedar saplings, they may be made to resemble pic- 

 turesque Japanese houses on the lake shore. Little 

 stationary houses are also built out in the centre of 

 the lake, with low roofs and wide spreading eaves. 

 Here the water fowl find rest and shelter without 

 retiring to the secluded houses on the banks. Many 

 varieties prefer the houses built out in the lake, with 

 the floors raised only an inch or two above the highest 

 level of the water. 



