870 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



course of time, would impart a pleasing effect to what might 

 previously have been bare, uninteresting, or otherwise covered 

 with indigenous coarse-growing vegetation. 



There is nothing in connection with horticulture that is more 

 fascinating, or that presents more beauty, or, on the other hand, 

 affords greater pleasure for the amount of care bestowed on it 

 than a water garden, no matter of whatever dimensions, when 

 natural and tasteful effects are produced in planting it, and the 

 conditions are favourable to the requirements of Aquatics and 

 the numerous plants which can be suitably associated with 

 them. Water Plants are exquisite ; there is so much in their 

 surroundings that is absorbing and delightful. They are usually 

 of the easiest possible culture, and when once well established, 

 will practically take care of themselves, provided a limit be kept 

 on the more vigorous - growing sorts to prevent them from over- 

 growing those of slenderer and less sturdy growth. A garden 

 of this description would be quite as much an acquisition in 

 a small establishment as in a large one, although the area to 

 be dealt with would only admit of one being planned on a 

 much smaller scale for the reception of some of the numerous 

 small-growing Aquatics and other plants. 



Weeds, &c. — Weeds will occasionally obtrude themselves, and 

 these must be removed as soon as they put in an appearance, 

 for if allowed to become established, which they quickly do, 

 some difficulty may be eventually experienced in eradicating 

 them, and then not before they have either crippled the growth, 

 or perhaps entirely destroyed other plants. In tanks, and also in 

 ponds where there is but a slight current of water, various forms 

 of confervoid algae — green, thread-like vegetation, members of a 

 low order of the Vegetable Kingdom — will sometimes make their 

 appearance, more especially during warm weather ; these, upon 

 rising to the surface of the water, should at once be removed, 

 or they will form dense masses, detrimental to the growth of 

 other plants. If the Water Lilies are well furnished with foliage 

 the algae would be less troublesome to deal with, and the intro- 

 duction of a stock of fish would also prove very serviceable in 

 keeping the same in check. 



For the removal of dead leaves, weeds, or any accumulation 

 of floating refuse, as well as to give the necessary attention to 

 any plants requiring it in tanks or small areas of water, a strong, 

 light plank or ladder might be used of sufficient length to take 

 a secure bearing at the ends ; but in large ponds, where this is 

 impracticable, wading-boots have to be resorted to. 



Insect Pests, Rats, &c. — Aquatics, more especially those with 

 floating leaves, are generally fairly free from injurious attacks of 

 insect pests, although sometimes they become affected with green 

 or black Aphis. These can, however, generally be removed with 



