140 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 



To be properly seen, tlie lake requires to be approached 

 by walks, especially in the pleasure-grounds. It is 

 seldom advisable, however, to carry the walks quite 

 round it. They should rather be directed to the points 

 from which the finest views are seen. In this respect 

 the head is generally important, for though it may not 

 be the finest in itself, it often afibrds positions Avhich 

 exhibit the other portions of the lake to greatest advan- 

 tage. 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 descent from, and sub- 

 sequent ascent to, the level of the lake will undoubtedly 

 proclaim to every one its artificial character. Such a 

 cross walk, if absolutely necessary, 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. 



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 sustain the cha- 

 racter aimed at ; or if the breadth is increased to afford 

 an adequate expanse, the movement of the water disap- 

 pears, and the result is only a stagnant canal or elon- 

 gated pool. It is certainly better to leave the stream in 

 its natural state ; or if breadth of water is an object, to 



