It is doubtful whether it is easier to build a pond in a natural waterway, or to make it from the foundation up. Unless the natural water course can be easily diverted it will usually be better not to use it. For every stream at a distance of a hundred feet or more from its spring head is subject to flooding from heavy rains.

Should a violent current sweep over and among our aquatics it would destroy all the tender plants, break down our lotus, papyrus, and the like, and cover everything around with a thick layer of mud, and the season’s hopes would be gone. We shall do best, therefore, to secure a more even supply of water. A good spring will suffice for anything except Victoria and the tender waterlilies. Indeed, south of Philadelphia, spring water will materially help many of the hardy nymphaeas to endure the summer heat.

Lacking a spring, water may be drawn by a pipe or sluiceway from any near-by stream. The sluice will of course be so arranged by gates or by position of intake, as to avoid the flooding of the pond in case of freshets. But, after all, the easiest plan is to draw the water from a pipe with a spigot. It is not necessary to maintain a continuous flow and change of water. Just as a balanced aquarium will go for weeks or months without attention, so it is with the pond. It is only requisite to replace the water lost by evaporation and leakage.