23 8 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



July, 1913 



Water Hyacinths 

 which consists of two parts of turfy loam and one of well- 

 rotted manure, well incorporated. To this a small quantity 



of bone or horn shavings can be profitably added. Over 

 the whole is then spread a layer of clean sand to the depth 

 of about an inch and upon this water is poured until it 

 reaches a depth of four or live inches above the sand. If 

 the pool consists of a concrete basin, boxes containing the 

 roots may be placed on the bottom, and according to the 

 size and vigor of the plants the water may vary even to a 

 depth of nine inches. This is the method of planting in the 

 city parks, as will be remembered. When a plant is set 

 out, press the root firmly and softly into the soil until it 

 is just covered. It must not be allowed to become loose 

 before the root has taken hold, and to prevent any danger 

 of this, it is best to place a stone upon it, being careful to 

 do it in such a way as not to injure the crown or tip. If 

 the plants are pot-grown the ball of roots and earth will 

 be heavy enough to make this precaution unnecessary. 



April is the preferred month for setting out plants in the 

 Middle States, although it is claimed that they may be 

 transplanted at any time. Egyptian and Japan Lotus 

 should not be set out before May nor is it well to expose 

 the delicate Nymphcca earlier than this month. The usual 

 varieties of plants are strong, can safely be transplanted in 

 April, and they may then be expected to flower early and to 

 keep up a continuous blooming until frost. Water, rich 

 soil and sunshine are the beautiful needs of the Water- 

 Lily, which is able to transmute, through the agencies of 

 water and light, the dark mud of its soil into so rich a form 

 of exquisite purity. 



A certain amount of water will be lost from the tubs 

 by evaporation and must be supplied anew. During the 

 first weeks, the surface should be watched and any scum 



A water-garden in Zanesville, Ohio 





