226 



ORKAMENTAL GARDEKIKO. 



skill is brought to bear in imitating natural grottos, 

 even to the introduction of imposing artificial stalactites 

 and stalagmites, also in introducing cascades and other 

 forms of water in connection with them. 



The imitation of castles or their ruins, and draping 

 them with climbers, is sometimes engaged in with favor- 

 able results. But caution should be observed as regards 

 the materials, designs, and location of such work, else it 

 may prove a blemish rather than an ornament in the 

 grounds. 



It is elsewhere suggested that a large boulder may be 

 converted into an ornamental feature by draping it with 



Fig. 75. — BRIDGE OF ROCKS. 



tbe Virginia Creeper or other climber. There is propriety 

 in introducing some of these sparingly, with or without 

 the drapery of foliagre, into gardens, especially such as 

 are laid out in the natural style. Placed in groups in 

 a corner of a plat, or at the side of knolls, or singly at 

 junctions, or along the sides of walks and drives, the 

 effect of these is generally good. 



Sometimes shapely stones, uniform in size, may be 

 used as edgings to walks or flower beds throughout a 

 place. Such should be large enough to admit of sinking 

 them part way into the ground, so that they will not 

 easily become displaced, yet they should not be so large 

 as to be very conspicuous. 



Figure 75 represents a bridge of rocks for private or 



