FOURTH NATIONAL FLOWER SHOW 155 
be rich. Com[)ostcd sods and cow manure is as good as can be desired, but do 
not use the materials fresh. Where such is not to be had, the next best thing 
is good garden soil, with an addition of rotted manure, or sheep manure. 
For large pools, use l^oxes for planting in. I prefer a box three feet by 
three feet by one foot. This will hold nine cubic feet of soil. 
The water supply is no small matter, but any source can be utilized. Before 
planting, have the boxes in place, and water in the pool, not necessarily more 
than six inches over the boxes. This is deep enough to plant in. Allow the 
water to stand a few days before planting, but do not change it; it may ferment 
and a scum form on the surface, but this will settle, or it can be washed off 
with the garden hose. 
After the concrete work is finished, and before the soil or the boxes are put 
in, the pool should be washed out, to carry off all caustic properties of the 
cement, as such is injurious to plant life. 
The planting of Water Lilies should not be attempted before the weather 
is warm and growth is accelerated. This applies to hardy varieties. Tender 
varieties should not be planted before summer weather is assured, about the 
first of June to the middle of the month, according to location, either North 
or South. 
The Nelumbium, or Egyptian Lotus, is a most desirable plant. Do not 
plant early; the weather should correspond with such as recommended for 
tender Nymphaeas. Much failure can be attributed to early planting and the 
roots being chilled. The Nelumbiums require a limited space, but plenty of 
rich soil, or they will take possession of the whole pond. 
The after work and attention of the water garden consists chiefly of filling 
up with water as it evaporates. The plants will be benefited by an occasional 
spraying during hot, dry weather, especially during a drought, when plants are 
likely to be covered with dust. 
It is quite necessary to have a few gold fish in the water, for they will help 
to keep the plants clean as well as to destroy all larvae of mosquitoes. 
The margin of the pond can be planted with subaquatic plants, both hardy 
and tender. There is a large assortment of such plants, suitable for small 
ponds, or lakes, as the case may be. 
LANDSCAPE PLANS ENGINEERING 
LEONARD MORSE NORMAN K. MORSE 
41 SOUTH FIFTEENTH STREET 
PHILADELPHIA 
PLANTING FORESTRY 
