How to obtain itt. 93 
situations to the foregoing, but those I have mentioned have been 
tried, and their introduction has proved beneficial. The subject 
of pond culture has been so little studied, that the uses of many 
plants are not yet thoroughly understood, and care is needed in 
the introduction of mew and untried species. Whilst treating of 
marginal species, I would point out the advantage arising from the 
planting of suitable insect producing plants, shrubs, and even 
trees. Where tree planting is done in the vicinity of a lake or 
pond, it is very desirable to put in a few suitable specimens near 
the water. The oak produces a great amount of insect life, and 
a few alders are in their element by the pond side, and do good. 
Osiers or willows are also excellent, and, if the right kinds be 
planted, they may be cut annually, and in this case prove 
remunerative. 
It is well worth while to bestow a little care on the vegetation 
surrounding lakes and ponds, for a large amount of insect life 
may be produced by encouraging the growth of suitable plants. 
In the case of willows, shrubs, and tall growing plants, it will be 
found a great advantage to keep them back a little way from the 
water, so as to leave plenty of room for a path along the edge of 
the lake. The leaves will not then fall into the water so much, 
but thousands of insects will, and these will be very good for the fish. 
The introduction of the plants that inhabit comparatively 
deep water requires much more consideration than is necessary 
with marginal specimens. The latter can easily be got at, and 
there is no difficulty in keeping them in order. They are more 
constantly seen, growing as they do partly above the surface of 
the water. We know what weeds are in a garden, and how freely 
they grow. They often grow just as freely at the bottom of the 
water, and require attention just the same. There is one 
difference, however, and that is, that when a pond bottom has 
been properly prepared before filling, the weeds are often many 
years in making their appearance. When they do commence 
growing they usually appear in one, or at most, two or three 
places only, and are at first very easily dealt with. The plants 
most suitable for introduction, therefore, are those which do not 
spread too rapidly, and which in spreading do not choke the 
water to the injury of the fish. 
