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a sheet of water. As a proof of this, natural lakes (which we ought always 

 to imitate) are generally seen to rest in fiats, or valleys. It is quite unnatural 

 to look over a sheet of water into lower ground beyond. When the lowest 

 ground cannot be made available, so as to bring the water into view from the 

 house, or the pleasure ground, and a higher level must unavoidably be taken, 

 the view beyond must be stopped by planting. The designer, therefore, after 

 he has fixed the sites, and taken such levels as may be considered most suit- 

 able for the purpose, will at once see the necessity of judicious planting about 

 the lower end of the lake, so as to fill up, and shut out, as much as possible, 

 the appearance of the valley below, especially in the vicinity of the lake. In 

 most cases this will give the appearance, in a great degree, of water resting 

 on a natural fiat. In lining out such lakes, natural, bold, and angular promi- 

 nences, and deep bays, must be produced, rather than tame, zigzag, or small 

 indentations. At the same time, these deep bends and prominences must not 

 be of regular smooth curves, but broken occasionally by small, varied, and 

 natural indentations. (See Park Plan.) 



In kept grounds, lakes or ponds must be characterised by the same bold 

 curves ; but the margins should be kept neat, with smooth grass to the water's 

 edge, rather than consist of deep, earthy, and broken banks. Yet gentle 

 and abrupt grassy swells, rising immediately from the water, are important 

 acquisitions ; and some portions of the margins may be fringed with inter- 

 esting and suitable plants. 



Independently of the kept grounds, nature must be imitated by showing, 

 as may be suitable, abrupt, broken, earthy, rooty, and rugged grassy margins, 

 now and then embellished with bushes and trees. 



It is of the utmost consequence, in order to prevent accidents by persons 

 falling into the water, that there should be a shelf, or ledge, formed all round 

 the lake, or pond, four or five feet broad, which need only be covered from six 

 to eight inches deep with water. 



Islands are indispensable in pools, or lakes, of considerable dimensions ; 

 they not only add greatly to the variety and interest of the scene, but are of 

 importance in assisting to conceal the real extent of the water. 



The greatest depth of water in a lake should never, if possible, exceed 

 five feet, in order to render it safe from accident during sailing excursions, and 

 winter amusements on the ice. This depth is, moreover, quite sufficient for 

 fish, proper provision being made for their retreat, in severe weather, about 



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