释义 |
dew-pond|ˈdjuːpɒnd| [dew n.] A shallow pond, usually of artificial construction, occurring on downs where there is no adequate water-supply from springs or surface-drainage. These ponds were originally thought to be fed by the condensation of water from the atmosphere, but it is now generally thought that dew plays little or no part in supplying the water.
1865Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. 2nd Ser. I. 273 Dew-ponds. These ponds are chiefly constructed on the highest ridges of the chalk range. 1877H. P. Slade (title) A short practical treatise on dew ponds, the farmers' summer water suppliers. 1879Athenæum 14 June 757/1 The Wiltshire farmers, having learned the value of ‘cloud ponds’ or ‘dew ponds’, have formed them at much expense on the tops of the hills. 1903Kipling Five Nations 71 Only the dewpond on the height Unfed, that never fails. 1905A. J. & G. Hubbard Neolithic Dew-ponds 2 The gang of dew-pond makers commence operations by hollowing out the earth for a space far in excess of the apparent requirements of the proposed pond. They then thickly cover the whole of the hollow with a coating of dry straw. The straw..is covered by a layer of well-chosen, finely puddled clay, and the upper surface of the clay is then closely strewn with stones. 1919Chambers's Jrnl. Apr. 268/2 Every one must have heard of the famous dew-ponds of Sussex. |