203 



not deter one, however, for much may be done in the planting of 

 the margin of the water garden to supply this want. The ques- 

 tion now arises, how shall we do this planting ? 



In the first place, what kind of water garden do we want — 

 what kind of a water garden will lend itself to our surroundings ? 

 An old swamp or bog cannot be so developed without the ex- 

 penditure of a considerable sum, for it may be necessary to build 

 a dam to retain the waters of our spring-fed or brook-fed site, or 

 it may require considerable digging and dredging, so the finan- 



If n 



:lightful ( 



l thai 



i hard tc 

 ie of thes 



old I 



of beauty, and watching it develop day 

 by day, as it more nearly approaches the ideal. Perhaps a pond 

 is already at hand, and needs but a touch here and there to trans- 

 form it. In such a case the task is much easier, and the expense 

 involved comparatively light, for the purchase or transplanting of 

 plants is the main item. Where an old swamp or pond is not 

 available, an artificial pond may be made, and by properly locat- 

 ing this and exercising care in its planting, beautiful and natural 

 effects may be secured. Or if only a small yard or lot is at one's 

 disposal, let him not despair, for his love for aquatics may be in- 

 dulged, to a limited extent of course, by building an aquatic tank 

 of cement and brick ; but let it appear as such, for frank artifi- 

 ciality is much to be preferred to poorly imitated naturalness, 

 and in narrow quarters landscape effects are not natural. Even 

 half barrels may be used as receptacles for aquatic plants, if these 

 are sunk in the ground, and kept supplied with water. 



Disregarding the smaller attempts at water gardening referred 

 to above, let us consider the development of the larger efforts. 

 In a well-arranged water garden t 

 must be borne in mind, the fringe or margin, or what we should 



efor. 



:r garden prope 



ted pi. 

 The first of 



o^mar 



gin, or what 



these 



is by no mea 



xr sele 



ction of plan 



self, o 



