CHAPTER XI. 



THE AMATEUR'S WATER GARDEN. 



NO BRANCH of horticulture is calculated to give more healthful recreation 

 to both young and middle-aged persons than a water garden, even if 

 only on a small scale. The additional attraction, and one of the essential 

 occupants of the pond, is fish ; with these we have an ideal source of pleasure 

 and recreation which may be enjoyed by all lovers of nature, and especially 

 the children. Few persons, young or old, but have pets or some other hobby, 

 and when children can indulge in the care of fish it is a delightful aid toward 

 their recreation, instruction, and profit. Fish, in a very short time, become as 

 much a pet with the young as does a kitten, and how pleasurable to a child to 

 have them eat from its hand, or congregate when the water is disturbed. 



Fish of any kind are desirable in the pond, and should certainly be 

 provided. Gold fish are always very attractive in small ponds, fountain basins, 

 and tubs, where plants are growing, as are also Japanese fan-tails, and others 

 in variety. 



The presence of frogs, tadpoles, and water snails is very essential, but 

 the fish are liable to eat both the larvae of and the young snails themselves; 

 sunfish are especially destructive and should not be put in the same water 

 as the snails, unless for the express purpose of eradicating them. 



The illustration shows a small water garden built for the culture of fish as 

 well as aquatic plants ; this is located in one of our Western States, and subject 

 to severe weather in winter, the thermometer occasionally falling to 20° 

 below zero. The size of this pond is 4 ft. x 16 ft. and 3 ft. deep, divided into 3 

 sections, the centre one being 3 ft. deeper for the fish in winter. The size and 

 depth is not binding, but can be made to suit individual requirements. I have, 

 in another place, described one 51/2 ft. x 12 ft., and 20 inches deep. The plants 

 can be grown in tubs or boxes, or in soil deposited in the bottom of the pond. 



