WATER. 139 



to place the bed of the stream on the solid ground^ not 

 on the embankment_, an arrangement conducive at once 

 to stability and ornament. If a sliuce is indispensable, 

 it should be in connection Tvith a culvert. 



When success has been attained in the form and outline 

 of an artificial lake, much still requires to be done in the 

 way of decorative accompaniments. Water without wood 

 will be destitute of that lining grace which trees and 

 shrubs can alone impart; and it ^ill want, also, much 

 of that varied reflection of light and shade, and of form 

 and colom-, which adds so much charm and interest to 

 woodland lakes. Trees, however, are not to be dotted over 

 the banks. Tliey should rather be combined into strong 

 masses, at some places approaching the water's edge, at 

 others receding, and dispersed in irregular groups, as the 

 smface of the ground may suggest. The embankments, 

 when deficient in form, should be covered with masses of 

 wood. At the same time, it is injudicious to overload 

 the scene with ti*ees and shrubs. A light and graceful 

 efiect should be aimed at in certain positions, and a 

 depth of shade in others. The pleasure-grounds and 

 woods afibrd more suitable situations for highly orna- 

 mented pieces of water than the pastm^e-gi'ounds in the 

 park, as the latter are generally too unclothed for this 

 purpose. Islands should not be over-thickly planted, as 

 they commonly are. ^ATien the ti-ees are sparse, they 

 are more varied in theii' form, and fall into better groups. 

 A green bank or piece of level lawn, seen fi'om the neigh- 

 bouring shore, are agi'eeable featm-es in an island. To 

 lake scenery, a boat-house and pier, and palings nmning 

 into the water to prevent deer and cattle from entering 

 the resen-ed enclosmTs, and aquatic birds and plants, add 

 a pleasing diversity. 



