14 WATER-LILIES 



it from the foundation up. Unless the 

 natural water course can be easily diverted 

 it will usually be better not to use it. For 

 every stream at a distance of a hundred feet or 

 more from its spring head is subject to flood- 

 ing from heavy rains. 



Should a violent current sweep over and 

 among our aquatics it would destroy all the 

 tender plants, break down our lotus, papyrus, 

 and the like, and cover everything around 

 with a thick layer of mud, and the season's 

 hopes would be gone. We shall do best, 

 therefore, to secure a more even supply of 

 water. A good spring will suffice for any- 

 thing except Victoria and the tender water- 

 lilies. Indeed, south of Philadelphia, spring 

 water will materially help many of the hardy 

 nymphaeas to endure the summer heat. Lack- 

 ing a spring, water may be drawn by a pipe 

 or sluiceway from any near-by stream. The 

 sluice will of course be so arranged by gates 

 or by position of intake, as to avoid the 

 flooding of the pond in case of freshets. But, 

 after all, the easiest plan is to draw the water 



