10 MAKING A POND. 



according to the volume of water running into the pond: it must be of sufficient 

 capacity to carry off the water at the same rate as it enters. Perhaps its 

 greatest use would be during work of construction. The flanged end of the 

 pipe should be on the pond side of the dam, and this can be plugged with a 

 disc of wood made to fit the pipe, and finished olT with a facing of puddled 

 clay. 



Should the stream supplying the pond be liable to become a dangerous 

 freshet after heavy rains, provision should be made (by a culvert or open ditch) 

 to divert the current of water and prevent its rushing through the pond ; other- 

 wise much damage might be done to the plants, as well as to the pond and dam. 

 In such a case an inlet should be made with a gate that can be readily closed if 

 need be. 



In most cases it will be unnecessary to add anything to the natural bottom, 

 but it would be best to plough, dig, or break the surface, so that the soil may 

 be in proper condition for planting when the season arrives. 



Swampy and boggy ground may be converted into a beautiful natural or 

 wild garden, and many uncared for places are to be found that are practically 

 worthless for any other purpose. Such a piece of ground may be outside the 

 limits of the formal flower garden, but is an ideal spot for a water and bog 

 garden. Here, also, many hardy perennials, native and exotic, will flourish 

 luxuriantly; also choice flowering shrubs, trees, and ferns will thrive as in no 

 other part of the garden. The site for the pond will naturally be the lowest 

 part of the ground, where drains from the surrounding portions can 

 empty. Having selected the site, mark out the dimensions, take levels, etc., as 

 before directed, taking advantage of the natural surroundings to add to the 

 general effect. If much water exist to interfere with operations, construct an 

 outlet to drain off the water, taking care to place it where it may be perma- 

 nently left open or closed as the case demands. 



If springs exist, or the pond is subject to overflow by heavy rains, provi- 

 sion should be made to carry off the water without letting it rush through the 

 pond. Spring water running into the pond will not seriously affect the culture 

 of Water Lilies, if the pond be not shaded and the volume of water not so large 

 as to materially lower the temperature of the pond. 



The soil will have to be dug out to the required depth, which may be 

 from eighteen inches to two or three feet, the depth must be considered 

 in comparison with the normal thickness of ice formed in the locality, for 

 the roots of Water Lilies must not freeze, although they are designated 



