1. GEOMETRIC CANAL OR TANK FOR WATER PLANTS. 
tural character, as shown in the engraving, which should be surrounded by a broad gravel path of 
similar form, approached by a straight walk of some length, to prepare the eye for the regular forms of 
the canal and its appendages; and the entrance to this aquatic parterre might, to aid its semi-archi- 
tectural character, he marked by two large vases on pedestals ; a few flower-beds, and some masses 
of shrubs, might be the means of partially concealing these symmetrical features from the rest of the 
pleasure-grounds, if rendered necessary, on account of their distinct character. 
The plants I have shown in the central or deep part of the canal are simply our native Water Crow¬ 
foot, the Marsh Marygold, and the white and yellow Water Lilies, &c., to which might be added the 
Frog-hit, the floating Plantain, the Water Soldier, and many hardy exotics. In the shallow channel 
at the sides, I have placed the common yellow Iris, and our handsome native plants, the flowering 
Rush, and the Arrow-head, with the greater and lesser Water Plantain; to these 1 have added the 
elegant Cape plant already mentioned, and commonly known among cultivators of window flowers 
as the “ Arum which, grown in water in this manner, attains to much greater size and perfection 
than by ordinary pot culture. 
In order to form a canal or tank of this description for the purpose of growing aquatic plants, the 
first requisite is a supply of water. A small brook or spring, in any part of the grounds, will be suffi¬ 
cient, which may be cheaply conducted beneath the surface, to any spot required, if not higher than 
the brook or spring itself, by means of a leaden pipe, or gutta percha tube, which latter is now being 
used for such purposes. A tolerably level spot in the lower portion of the grounds should be selected, 
as convertible at the least expense to the purpose required. The excavation must now be dug, of the 
extent determined on—the one shown in the design is supposed to be about 24 feet wide by 48 feet 
long, but a canal of half these dimensions would form a very pleasing object in a place of suitable 
proportions. The excavation should be about 2 feet 4 inches deep in the central compartment, and 
1 foot 4 inches in the side compartments. When the bottom and sides have been made as smooth as 
can he accomplished with the spade, the masonry may be commenced, which is of so simple a cha¬ 
racter that any country bricklayer may execute it under the directions of an intelligent gardener. 
First, let a layer of flat tiles be placed against the sides, and laid in Portland cement, which should 
he done in dry weather, when the soil is not too moist, or the cement will not set well; a second layer 
G 
