mind as to its real extent. But in order to effect this properly, bushes and trees 

 must be planted on the island and on the sides of the lake. (See Park Plan. ) 



In lakes or pools of considerable extent, groups of islands would be 

 effective, and ought to be introduced, in preference to their being scattered 

 singly all over the water. They must, further, be placed not as if- by design, 

 but rather to appear in connection with some of the smaller, or moderate- 

 sized promontories, and as if the water, from time to time, had severed them 

 from the adjoining projection of the shore. "Whatever may be the number of 

 islands forming a group, care should be taken to have the largest of them 

 about the centre. For instance : — on all the sides but that next the shore, 

 the smaller islands will appear most in character outermost, and the distance 

 from one another must vary considerably. These islands may be from five to 

 thirty yards or more from the side of the water, according to its extent ; but 

 must be sufficiently far from the middle not to appear central. 



In a lake of fifty or one hundred acres, several groups, composed of three, 

 four, or five, of different shapes, may be formed ; and one or two of these 

 may be of considerable extent, — say, from a quarter of an acre to one or two 

 acres. This will not only give importance and magnitude, but afford room 

 and convenience for the erection of huts for aquatic animals, retreats for 

 fishers, ornamental lighthouses, &c. In addition to these groups of islands, a 

 few may be sometimes placed singly near a concave bend, or in advance of a 

 promontory. It will be essential to vary the size of the islands, especially in 

 the groups, — say, from a few yards in extent, to the larger above mentioned. 

 They must be of irregular and natural forms, with broken margins, not 

 lumpy, but lengthy, letting their length be most parallel with the shore. (See 

 Lake in Park Plan.) Although I recommend the avoidance of formality in 

 placing islands, yet I think the appearance on both sides the lake should in 

 some measure be equahzed, leaving the widest portion of water about the 

 middle, but still naturally broken or varied with the islands. "Were there 

 a large island and numerous small ones on one side of the lake only, from 

 some points of view the water would appear (if I may so speak) out of balance, 

 leaving the eye dissatisfied. This effect must be guarded against. 



I have already referred to the prevention of danger as necessary to be 

 observed in the formation of water. Such danger too frequently arises from 

 the usual way of forming ponds or lakes, and the means by which it should 

 be averted are these : — First, It is quite unnecessary to have deep water close 



