Gardening in California 



not greater than one and one-half inches in diameter at the lower 

 end, give the whole mass a thorough tamping until it is of the 

 consistency of putty as used for glass setting. After the first 

 layer has been puddled into shape and tamped firm and smooth, 

 spread and treat the second layer in the same manner, finishing 

 it with a flat tamper about six inches square at the lower end. 

 This will give the whole a perfectly smooth finish. 



On the surface of the clay, it is well to spread a layer, one 

 inch thick, of screened rock (say of about one-half inch in size) 

 to protect the clay from being disturbed by washing or by poles 

 or rods being driven through the clay-bed thus making holes 

 through which the water would escape. 



Where the pond is small, a thin layer of concrete should be 

 spread on top of the rock, as it makes the work of cleaning away 

 sediment or dirt much easier. 



In addition to the overflow pipe, there should be, for con- 

 venience in cleaning out the pond, a pipe of at least six inches 

 in diameter, placed in the bottom at the lowest spot of the pond, 

 on the inner end of which pipe a strainer should be screwed to 

 keep leaves or other litter from entering and thus choking the 

 pipe. Of course drainage pipes are useful only where sufficient 

 fall can be had in the ground adjoining the lake. Where a 

 sufficient fall cannot be had, drainage pipes will not be of any 

 use and should not be put in. 



Where the grounds are laid out in a formal manner, the pond 

 should also be made formal in shape, either circular, like some 

 fountain-basins, with granite or concrete copings, or octagonal, 

 or of some other architectural design in keeping with the 

 surroundings. 



When the lake or pond is ready for the water, the next study 

 is what plants, if any, should adorn the surface of the water and 

 how they should be arranged. Before turning in the water, and 

 where it is decided to plant Water Lilies, it is well to have basins 

 constructed for holding the amount of soil necessary for growing 



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