34 WATER-LILIES 



Having reduced the clay to the proper 

 consistency, spread it evenly over the bottom 

 of the pond, thoroughly beating it dov;^n as 

 laid. 



The clay is fairly impervious to water and 

 is not injured by freezing. The margins, 

 from mean water level to a depth of twelve 

 inches, may be lined with stones pounded 

 into the clay. This prevents washing away 

 by ripples or by moving ice. It is also 

 advisable to cover the clay bottom with a 

 few inches of sand so that the puddling may 

 be protected and the mud not so easily 

 stirred up. If this process is carried out 

 consistently, an absolutely water-tight pond 

 will result. The puddling is carried up to 

 within three inches of the rim. Overflow 

 pipes (preferably one pipe with two open- 

 ings), and a water faucet are to be arranged 

 for beforehand. 



When an existing pond is to be converted 

 for the growing of water-lilies, it must be our 

 aim to provide for two things, the outline, 

 and a proper depth of water at all times. The 



