~~ 
pate a nce iat 
this water is inhabited and beautified by aquatic plants and fish, it becomes fascinating, and when we consider the ease with 
A LL water, whether it be a lake, stream, pond, or even a small pool,. seems to hold a certain charm for every one, and, when 
which these plants can be grown, there is no reason why every natural lake, pond and stream having the proper conditions, 
which are sunshine, still, warm water, and plenty of rich soil, should not be so beautified. 
Where stagnant pools exist, it becomes 
a hygienic necessity to stock same with plants and fish, for, when properly balanced with plant and animal life, the water becomes, 
and will remain, pure and sweet, and in place of a mosquito and malaria-breeding pool we have a healthful and delightful aquatic. 
A FEW CULTURAL HINTS ON WATER LILIES. 
Our Water Lily Book, giving complete cultural directions, sent on application. 
garden. 
All Water Lilies and aquatics will grow in any good garden 
soil enriched with one-fifth well rotted manure, or if manure is 
not procurable use ] quart of ground bone to each bushel of 
soil. All flowering aquatics should be planted so that they will 
be exposed to full sunlight. 
In constructing artificial ponds a total depth of two feet is 
sufficient; one foot for soil and one foot for water. 
For those who have not the advantage of natural ponds or 
large artificial basin, there are many varieties which can be 
grown successfully in half-barrels or any water-tight receptacle 
having a diameter of two feet or more, but the greater the sur- 
face space the better will be the results. 
Many of the Nymphezeas and other aquatics, and all of the 
Nelumbiums, can be successfully grown in half-barrels, To do 
this, fill the tubs half full with soil, top-dressed with two inches 
of sand, allowing about six inches for water. Sink the tubs in 
the ground to within three inches of the top. When more than 
one tub is ‘used a very ornamental effect can be produced by 
leaving a space between the tubs to be used asa miniature rock 
garden. 
As all Water Lilies and more especially the tender varieties, 
prefer still, warm water, it is a mistake to have any fountain or 
other continuous inflow of water in connection with artificial 
ponds or tanks, and in natural ponds, when such are fed with a 
large inflow of cold spring water, Lilies will not be a success. 
For artificial ponds and tanks it is best only to give enough 
fresh water to replace what is lost hy evaporation, etc. 
Hardy Nymphzas can be planted at any time from April to 
September. The best results, however, will |be obtained if the 
planting is done just as they start into growth, which in the 
vicinity of Philadelphia is about May Ist. 
Tender Nymphezas will grow and luxuriate under the same 
conditions as the Hardy Nymphzas, but the more sheltered and 
warmer the location the better will be the results. 
Tender Nymphzas should not be planted until after the weather 
has become warm and settled, or at about the same time that 
such tender plants as Coleus, etc., are planted in the border. 
Hardy Nymphzeas and Nelumbiums need no care during the 
winter, provided the water is of sufficient depth so that it will 
not freeze to the crown of the plants, In cement tanks drain 
off all the water and fill in with leaves or cover with boards and 
leaves or litter. If grown in tubs or boxes the plants should 
receive a top-dressing of ground bone at the rate of one pound 
to each plant, just as growth starts in spring. It should be dis- 
tributed evenly over the surface of the soil, and a little sand or 
fine soil spread over all to keep it from floating away. Lilies 
which are grown in beds of soil or in natural ponds will be 
much benefited by an application in spring of Dried Blood ma- 
nure, broadcasted on the surface of the water at the rate of one 
pound to every ten square feet of surface. Tender Nymphzas 
require to be wintered in tubs or tanks in a greenhouse where a 
temperature of 60° is maintained. As strong plants are quite 
troublesome to winter, even under favorable conditions, we advise 
to leave them out and get new plants each season. 
Nelumbiums are supplied in tubers,’and should not be planted 
before May Ist. The treatment is the same as recommended 
for hardy Nympheas, excepting that they do best when planted 
in soil that is at least two feet deep and covered only with six 
inches of water. 
All tanks, ponds or lakes should have submerged plants grow- 
ing in them to aerify the water, thereby keeping it pure and 
sweet. The best plants for this purpose are Anacharis canaden- 
sis gigantea and Cabomba viridifolia, Six plants in a pool 10 
feet across will be ample. These can be planted in water from 
six inches to two feet deep. 
Fish should be in all ponds, from the smallest tub to the largest 
lake, as they destroy all mosquito larvae and other insects. In 
lily ponds gold fish are preferable, being both useful and orna- 
mental. A tub should have twe fish in it, and twenty-five fish 
will be sufficient to stock a pond one hundred feet in diameter. 
NOTE.—AI! Bulbs, Roots and Plants are forwarded by Express, purchaser paying charges. If wanted by Parcel Post add 10 per cent. 
to value of order for postage to points east of the Mississippi River, and 20 per cent. to points west of the Mississippi River. 
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