198 PAEKS AND PLEASTJRE-GKOUNDS. 



respect the head is generally important, for though it 

 may not be the finest in itself, it often affords j^ositions 

 which exhibit other portions of the lake to greatest 

 advantage. If, then, the head has been formed as 

 above recommended, a walk may be led across it, 

 keeping, however, on that side of the platform which 

 is next the water. In no case should the walk pass 

 close round the back of the embankment, as the de- 

 scent from and subsequent ascent to the level of the 

 lake, will undoubtedly proclaim to every one its artifi- 

 cial character. Such a cross-walk, if absolutely neces- 

 sary, should always run at some considerable distance 

 below, and through ground from which the head of 

 the lake is masked by trees. Where more than one 

 lake are formed in close proximity to each other, good 

 taste will dictate that only one of these should be seen 

 at the same time from the approach, if it passes near 

 their points of separation. 



Note. — Our author has treated this subject with 

 good judgment, and in excellent taste. Perhaps there 

 is no feature of the park or pleasure-ground more mis- 

 managed, where it can be made available, than water. 

 Better let it alone altogether than to fail in makiug it 

 a graceful and attractive object in the picture. A 

 slieet of water, in our climate, should be deep and 

 pure; otherwise it is little better than a nuisance, 

 breeding noxious insects and reptiles. — Ed. 



Artificial Rivers are sometimes formed in parks 

 and pleasure-grounds, but seldom with happy effect. 

 They want the progression and the continuance which 

 are leading characteristics of natural rivers. The 

 rivulets or streams which it is desired to elevate to 

 the form of rivers, do not supply sufficient water to 



