86 THE BOOK OF GARDEN FURNITURE 



takes the form of a vase or tazza-shaped receptacle, 

 standing in the centre of a larger basin or pond ; the 

 water fills the tazza to the brim, and overflows into 

 the outer vessel. In this case, the water in the head 

 only requires to be at the same height as the ex- 

 treme upper edge of the vessel from which it is to 

 issue. Though not out of place in the formal garden, 

 this class of fountain is not entirely satisfactory, the 

 graceful effect of a rising column of water falling in 

 clouds of spray being entirely absent. Still, if a fountain 

 is decided upon, and only a moderate supply of water is 

 obtainable, it will be better to employ it, rather than have 

 a feeble jet rising only a few inches. It is surprising the 

 numbers of garden fountains which are continually out of 

 order — either they are stopped up, there is no water, or 

 the pipes have burst. Often the basin has been filled up 

 with soil, and planted with geraniums and other bedding 

 plants — a ridiculous means of utilising an object, the real 

 nature of which is obvious. The jet fountain must have 

 the head of water so situated that it shall be several inches 

 higher than the top of the column issuing from the bore. 

 The latter should be smaller than that of the conduit pipe 

 by a fourth part. The pipes should be laid at such a 

 depth that they will be secure from injury by frost, and 

 all plumbing work had best be entrusted to a man who 

 thoroughly knows his business. Another point requiring 

 attention is the need which exists for protecting the 

 structure from damage by ice. To ensure this there 

 must be no coping or ornamental rim overhanging 

 inwards, which will be broken in pieces directly the sheet 

 of ice in the pond lifts. By constructing the sides so that 

 they slope evenly from top to bottom, there will be no 

 hindrance to free expansion. There is no need to enter 

 more fully into details which are purely technical, and 

 properly belong to the duly qualified engineer, but there 

 is one point in connection with fountains which may be 



