WATER GARDENS 49 



North it would suggest mosquitoes, malaria, and snakes; in the 

 South it would be stuffy or even steaming. It is not too lux- 

 uriant, but it needs open spaces. In a hot climate like ours we 

 must look out for a free circulation of air, whereas in a cool climate, 

 like England's, coziness is a main consideration. Now coziness 

 comes from dense masses of upright vegetation which ward off 

 harsh winds, while airiness comes from low, rounded masses of 

 vegetation, and occasional wide openings to encourage air currents. 

 I think the degree of openness shown in Mr. Robinson's water 

 garden is better suited to American estates than the scene at Kew. 

 Broadly speaking, we Americans do not know how to treat the 

 margins of water, especially when we use concrete. We leave a 

 hard line of it exposed, as if the important thing were to advertise 

 the cost. And we have thousands upon ten thousands of grassy 

 banks devoid of vegetation that are as ugly as sin compared with 

 the beauty we might have. I speak strongly, because it will be a 

 complete surprise to many of my readers to hear that a grassy 

 bank can be anything but beautiful. ^England can teach us that the 

 best way to do is to fringe nearly all the margin with water-loving 

 plants. Of course, I would determine the open spaces first. 

 I would provide first for bathing, boat houses, piers, and other 

 utilities, and then for air currents. But everywhere else I should 

 hide the margin. There should be every degree of overhang from 

 trees and shrubs, partly for the comfort that shade gives, and 

 partly because of the charm of foliage as reflected in water, for the 

 best place in the world to study texture is there. Contrast any 

 American watering-place you know with the illustrations in this 

 chapter and you will see that marginal planting offers a new world 

 of beauty. Will you please note that at Gravetye and Kew 

 there is no sharp distinction between land and water. Some plants 



