EOADS; WALKS, A^*D BRIDGES. 



Ill 



importance of the terminal objects must, however, always correspond in 

 magnitude and importance with the length and width of the walk, and 

 architectural objects on]}'- are suitable termini for straight paths. Curved 

 walks may have rustic buildings, moss, root, or heath-houses, of every variety 

 of pattern and design, simple seats, secluded grottos with suitable inscrip- 

 tions, ornamental bridges of antique shape, and rustic fountains, either as 

 ■embellishments or as termini to them ; for there is great truth in Shenstonc's 

 remark, that a rural scene is never perfect without the addition of some kind 

 of building. One of the most effective sights I have seen was a simple rustic 

 structure, with a small aperture in the back, fitted with a frame for a mirror. 

 There was no glass in it ; but through the opening was seen one of the most 

 lovely landscapes in this coimtry ; and the effect was charming. Generally, 

 a walk should never terminate at any such object : it is unsatisfactory to be 

 compelled to return by the same route as we advance. Other walks should 

 diverge from it, to give the option of choice. The proper line of divergence 

 is of consequence ; Kepton says, 

 where two walks separate from each 

 other, it is always desirable to have 

 them diverge in different directions, 

 as at a, rather than give the idea of 

 recurvity, as at h. When two walks 

 join each other, it is generally better that they should meet at right angles, 

 rather than to leave the sharp 

 point, as in the acute angle at d. 

 The great thing is to avoid a 

 stiff uniformity, and give mean- 

 ing to the curves on a walk by 

 judiciously planting firs, limes, &c., as here shown, so as to escape the force 

 • of such severe lines as these :— 



*• Prim gravel walks, througli which we winding go 

 In endless serpentines, that nothing show ; 

 Till, tired, I ask, ' Why this eternal round ? ' 

 And the pert gardener says, ' 'Tis pleasure-ground." 



•246. Walks should always avoid skirting the boundary of pleasure-grounds, 

 although they may occasionally approach it ; and, as a general rule, one should 

 never be vis-d-vis, for any Qf 



great distance, to another ; 

 and then they should be 

 of different widths, ac- 

 cording to their relative 

 importance ; but each walk 

 should maintain the same width throughout, unless it passes through rock- 

 work, when it should be distinguished by irregularity of width, abrupt bends, 

 and capricious undulations ; the trim walk should then be lost in rugged 

 attempts at the mountain path, although the idea of safety must still be 



