866 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



The subject with which we are deahng, so far as space will 

 permit, will embrace observations on the treatment of outdoor 

 ponds and tanks, as well as those of the latter constructed under 

 glass for the cultivation of tropical Aquatic Plants, and the 

 most desirable kinds that may be advantageously associated 

 with them will be mentioned. In both cases there will be 

 considerations as to the space and means available for their 

 cultivation ; and it may be stated that considerable gratification 

 may be obtained from very simple and restricted contrivances 

 that may be quite sufficient for the requirements of a 

 limited number of them. As an example, barrels cut in 

 halves may be employed in which to grow many Aquatic 

 Plants. These may be sunk in the ground to within a few 

 inches of their tops, or so grouped as to be faced with 

 rustic work, which would also act as a shield to their exteriors 

 from the rays of the sun. Large earthenware pans may also 

 be used ; but it must be borne in mind that whenever such 

 vessels are used, precautions must be taken to protect them from 

 exposure to severe frost that would cause them to burst. Not- 

 withstanding this drawback to their use, in many instances they 

 would serve the purpose of at least helping the amateur to 



acquire a more intimate knowledge of the 

 particular kinds chosen for what may be only 

 regarded as an interesting experiment in their 

 cultivation. As an example, it will suffice to 

 mention that of a plant remarkable for its 

 uncommon prettiness, and yet one that is 

 seldom met with in similar surroundings. 

 We refer to the wild Flowering Rush Buto77ius 

 U7nhellatus (Fig. 577), which we once saw 

 flourishing in a delightful fashion in an upright, 

 glazed earthenware vessel at the foot of a fern 

 rockery in a confined town garden. This plant, 

 Gerarde wrote, "is, of all others, the fairest 



Fig, 577. BuTOMus ^ii^d most pleasant to behold, and serveth 



uMBELLATus. ycry wcll for the decking and trimming up 



of houses, because of the beautie and braverie 

 thereof"; and it cannot be denied that the Butomus is amongst 

 the most elegant of our hardy Aquatics. This instance is 

 mentioned for the purpose of showing what may be accomplished 

 with very limited resources in respect of the cultivation of other 

 representatives of this interesting class of plants. The simplicity 



