872 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



might be used for lining the interiors of- small ponds, but in 

 the case of larger ones this would be a rather expensive process 

 in comparison to puddling with clay. After the puddling 

 operation is completed, the deepest part in the pond would be 

 from 2^ft. to 3ft., and this would form the most suitable 

 position for depositing the necessary mounds of soil for the 

 reception of Nuphars and the more vigorous-growing Nymphaeas 

 that may be selected, the margin being suited to the require- 

 ments of those plants that only require shallow water in which to 

 grow. 



Water-Supply. — In supplying an artificial pond with water, it 

 is very important that the source from which it is obtained 

 should be considered, as Aquatics, and more especially the 

 choicer kinds of hardy Nymphseas, do not flourish satisfactorily 

 in continually running water of a low temperature, as by a 

 continuous current entering the pond, and this observation 

 applies particularly to the odorata group. Therefore, for the 

 benefit of the plants, every provision possible should be 

 made to ensure as high and as constant a temperature as 

 possible, more especially during the time that the plants are in 

 active growth. A pond situated in a sheltered, sunny position 

 provides the best aspect, especially so for those of tender habit, 

 and it would conduce to a greater prolongation of their flowering 

 period. Where a sufficient, constant, and steady supply can be 

 laid on from an extraneous lake, river, or stream, it will be of 

 great advantage to do so, this being more beneficial to the 

 health of the plants than that supplied direct from a natural 

 spring or drawn from a low-level in the earth. The water 

 obtained from the last-named sources is of too chilly a nature to 

 favour a luxuriant growth, whereas the former would obviously 

 best meet the plants' requirements, it being aerated and, 

 consequently, of a higher temperature. The inrush of any 

 considerable quantity of water should also be avoided, as the 

 disturbance caused thereby is calculated to be detrimental to 

 their well doing. All that is really required is a sufficient supply 

 of water to prevent stagnation, and, when this is well regulated, 

 successful culture will be in a great measure assured. Means 

 should also be taken to prevent the level of the water from 

 fluctuating to any appreciable extent by constructing an outlet 

 at the intended water-level line, which will suffice for carrying off" 

 a similar quantity of water to that which enters the pond. 



Rockery. — Where an opportunity is afforded of forming a 

 small pond in connection with a well-made rockery, provided one 

 does not already exist, it will, if properly constructed and judi- 

 ciously planted, form an additional charm to that always interesting 

 and attractive feature in a garden. In its formation an irregular 

 outline should be observed, as this would be conducive to its 



