MISCELLANEOUS. 223 



in the mansion itself. In all cases it should 

 be horizontal. 



It is not, however, often that the width of 

 the water, or its j)roximity to the house, de- 

 mands such a bridge. Where the scenery 

 justifies such a structure, it forms a beautiftd 

 feature in the landscape, as at Clumber. 



In general, a bridge is required merely to 

 cross some rivulet or brook, which interrupts 

 the approach ; and under such circumstances, 

 whatever be the extent and magnificence of 

 the domain and the mansion, picturesque 

 effect should prescribe the character of the 

 bridge. 



Utility being the primary object in all 

 simple structures, ornament is at best mis- 

 placed when applied to unadorned nature. 

 Upon this principle, I prefer a plain wooden 

 brido-e for the crossino; of a shallow stream, 

 to which a regular arch seems superfluous. 

 The stays of the annexed sketch, while they 

 give a variety to the outline of the bridge, 

 yet are all apparently necessary to its sta- 

 bility. 



Should the stream require a longer bridge, 

 arches will becom.e necessary ; and they will 

 be built of brick or stone, as circumstances 



