Aquatics 



Aquatics 



AQUATICS. 



The cultivation of aquatic plants, which lan- 

 guished for some time, has lately received an 

 impetus through the introduction of M. Latour- 

 Marliac's new hybrid Nymphseas. These have not 

 only almost revolutionised the prospects of water- 

 gardening out of doors, but they have also led to 

 an increased interest in the genera and species of 

 aquatic plants which require the protection of 

 glass; anil in consequence there is a prospect of 

 these plants becoming more sought after. That 



sions may be made of clay or concrete, or a 

 combination of both. The clay must be thoroughly 

 puddled, and made quite impervious to water. ]t 

 may be about t>" thick where there is a retentive 

 subsoil, but 2" more if it is porous. Where 

 expense is of little consequence, concrete is to be 

 preferred. The concrete must be thoroughly mixed, 

 and should be not less than 3" thick, and finished off 

 with a thin coating of cement and sand in equal 

 proportions. It is essential that the soil beneath 

 should be made very linn, so as to prevent subsidence. 



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AQVATICS AT HOME. 



they are worthy of it may lie seen by a visit to 

 Kew or any other large botanic garden, or to one 

 of the growing number of private gardens in which 

 aquatics receive a due share of attention. The 

 pen cannot do justice to the beauty of the hardy 

 and tropical Water Lilies, or the many other 

 plants which can be seen in these establishments. 



Depth of Water. The cultivation of the hardy 

 aquatics is very simple. The depth of water re- 

 quired is not great, as most will flourish better in 

 a pond or tank with from I J' to 3' of water than 

 in one of greater depth. Those who have in their 

 grounds a lake or pond of natural formation will 

 find little difficulty in making it a delightful 

 feature by the introduction of the best aquatic 

 jjlants. It is essential that any natural weeds 

 which may occupy it should be carefully cleared 

 out. The common Pond Weed, Potamogeton, is 

 one of the worst of these, and every root ought to 

 lie taken out, or it will cause much after trouble. 

 The pretty little Water Crowfoot is another trouble- 

 some weed. Should the centre of the lake be too 

 deep in its entirety for aquatics, the margin alone 

 may be occupied. 



Making a Pond. Where natural water is not 

 available a pond or tank of any required diinon- 



Apterantltes (see Houcerosia). 



Tanks. Useful tanks are also made of brick or 

 stone set in cement. These are often too formal 

 in outline for the garden. Some have the tanks 

 elevated above the surface, but they look more 

 natural if the water level is below the ground 

 surface. It is desirable that a formal-shaped 

 tank should be avoided ; one of a perfectly circular, 

 oval, or square form being too stiff to accord with 

 the plants. The masonry or concrete at the 

 margin ought also to be concealed from view by 

 rockwork or soil, and planted with bog plants. 



Situation and Planting. The situation of the 

 pond is a matter of much importance. It should 

 be in as sunny a position as possible, and sheltered 

 from cold winds. Much of the success depends 

 upon the influence of the sun's heat upon the water. 

 In planting the aquatics it is desirable to form a 

 division for each plant, so that each may be kept 

 by itself. This must not rise to the surface ; 

 it will be found of much advantage when the 

 time comes for the cleaning out which is necessary 

 at intervals. 



Soil. The greater number of aquatics like a 

 rather rich and heavy soil. A good loam, in- 

 clining to heaviness, with a proportion of old cow 

 manure, makes a good compost. Should the 

 plants require to be placed in position when the 

 pond is full, they can be put into small, flat 



