When Henry David Thoreau decided to learn the essential facts of life and what it had to teach, it's not surprising that he lived next to a pond. There are few things in life as peaceful and as tranquil as a pond.

However, not all of us are as geographically fortunate as Thoreau . . . until now. Thanks to Tim Matson, we can all have a pond to philosophize next to, swim in, or skate on. The Earth Ponds Sourcebook: The Pond Owner's Manual and Resource Guide provides expert advice for pond building and maintenance, with up-to-date lists of suppliers and bibliographies, as well...