Ornamental Water, Fountains , Etc. 315 
it should be well tailed out into the ground, and by a decided under-curve 
This gives the crowning stroke of finish and elegance. 
Lastly, as to islands. In lakes or larger ornamental ponds islands are 
permissible, but not in small ponds, because, though they increase the 
variety and beauty of an extensive sheet of water, they are apt to fritter 
away and impoverish the extent and size of smaller ones. If, however, 
there seems to be sufficient expanse of water for one, then it should not be 
placed in the centre, but at the side ; and if there is not moie than fifteen to 
POLYGONIUM SACIIALINENSE 
sixteen feet of water between it and the mainland, great variety and 
picturesqueness can be introduced by a rustic bridge connecting the two. 
Islands, too, are of great use for the safeguarding and resting of water-fowl 
of different species, which add vivacity and animation to the scenery around. 
A few hints must be given on the subject of growing aquatics in ponds or 
lakes. In small shallow ponds it is advisable to grow the plants in 
pots, immersing these in the water. But in the deeper water of large 
