CHAPTER X. 



THE AQUATIC HOUSE. 



AQUATICS of all kinds, even the most tender, including the \'ictoria regia, 

 ^ can be grown in the open air during the summer, but it is necessary to 

 have strong plants, more especially of the tender ones, when the season arrives 

 for planting out. The advantage of having suitable quarters in which to 

 propagate and grow the plants, is therefore at once apparent. 



An equal span roof house, twenty to twenty-five feet wide is best adapted 

 for the purpose of an aquatic house, as it gives all light possible. In place of 

 the usual table have in the center of the house a tank, built of masonry, con- 

 crete or brickwork, the latter preferred. The length of the tank or house 

 must be determined upon in each individual case, but whatever it is, the tank 

 should have a division wall across the center, thus making two tanks, as, with a 

 large collection, it is always best to have one tank that can be heated ten or 

 more degrees above the other, and in winter one tank can be used for stock, the 

 other for flowering plants, or if not wanted for Water Lilies, the tank can have 

 a temporary covering and be used for any purpose. Build an eight-inch brick 

 wall, eighteen to twenty-two inches high, the last two courses tapering, and 

 finishing off with a four-inch single course. The walls being above the ground 

 level, will require to be laid in cement and faced on both sides with Portland 

 cement, troweled off. The bottom miist receive a good flooring of concrete, or 

 a layer of bricks grouted with cement, and afterward a coating of Portland 

 cement. Such a tank will be found very accommodating, both for small and 

 large plants. 



A temporary bench can be easily arranged with a few inverted flower pots 

 and slates; this is most convenient if placed near the tank wall and the space 

 in the center utilized for large plants in pots or boxes. 



Provision should be made for heating the tank; one two-inch pipe through 

 the center will be sufficient, as the greenhouse will be heated, and should be 



