PREFACE. 



OF late years interest in the cultivation of aquatic plants has grown 

 enormously; not only are Water Lily ponds now features of our public 

 parks and larger private gardens, but even in the back yard of the suburban 

 resident one can frequently find a few tubs or a small tank, where the cultiva- 

 tion of Water Lilies and of the Lotus is indulged. 



Such widespread interest in a branch of horticulture which is com- 

 paratively new seems to demand a practical handbook dealing with the Water 

 Garden from the standpoint of the cultivator. Certain it is, from the ex- 

 perience of the author in having to frequently reply to inquiries as regards the 

 proper care and attention to be given to Water Lilies and other aquatics, that 

 there is some desire for a volume such as the present. 



The production of the work in its present form would not have been 

 possible but for the kind assistance rendered by many friends, and thanks are 

 extended to all, biit especially must acknowledgements of valuable aid be 

 made to the following: ]\Ir. S. C. Nash for the use of many illustrations from 

 negatives made by himself; to Mr. J. N. Gerard, for the opportunity of adding 

 a view of his water garden ; to the proprietors of American Gardening, and the 

 H. A. Dreer Co., for the use of illustrations; to Mr. Willard N. Clute who 

 contributed the chapter on Ferns; to the Editor of the Metal Worker for 

 illustrations representing Scollay's heating plant for the Tropical Water Lily 

 Pond in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; to Mr. J. M. Hodgson for the 

 miniature views of his Newport Garden; to Mr. P. Bisset for photographs 

 furnished; to Messrs. Lord & Burnham for illustration of Aquatic house; and 

 to Prof. Byron D. Halsted for information on diseases. 



In the matter of illustration, the use of the photographic camera and the 

 direct reproduction of its work, has been largely relied upon. The object in 

 view has been to present, as faithfully as could be done, views taken direct 



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