85 



for the water, and room for planting on each side of it, without interfering 

 with the puddle. This will be most properly effected by raising the ground 

 a little above the general level, (with the exception of the margin close to 

 the water), and so providing depth of soil for the roots to work in. Further, 

 in forming the embankment or head of a pond or lake, it should slope 

 considerably under the water, (figure 20), starting from the edge of the plat- 



Figuke 20. 







.;!/* 





form I have before named as a safeguard against accidents. This gives 

 great strength to the dam, inasmuch as the water bears upon the slope, and 

 is not so liable to burst the bank as if the latter were more perpendicular. 

 An equal, or rather greater, slope will be required on the contrary side of 

 the bank ; and it is indispensable that a firm wall should be built where 

 the water passes over, to prevent its being washed down. But if an 

 interesting fall is to be formed, (which certainly ought to be if water is 

 plentiful, and if a walk can with propriety pass near it), it should be built in 

 a natural, finn, rude form, with large massive stones. Islands, judiciously 

 managed, afford variety, and assist to lessen deformities common in the 

 construction of heads or dams of pools, and also indicate extent. One island 

 near the head will generally be necessary ; and, if sufficiently large and well 

 managed, will be better than more. This should be placed ten or twenty 

 yards from the outlet, and perhaps should be the widest across the pond 

 parallel with the dam ; letting the side next the outlet of the water form 

 a broken or irregular concave, in order to harmonize with the convex or 

 promontory stretching into the water. Then, a little above the island, 

 the margin or outline of both sides of the pond should be made to project 

 into the water, so that, conjointly with the island, the eye may be pre- 

 vented from discerning the end, or outlet of water; thereby deceiving the 



