WILD WATER MARGINS 53 



The overgrown appearance often presented by stream 

 margins may also be relieved by the thinning out of coarse 

 vegetation, and the removal of water weeds. In all such 

 cases it should be our object to heighten interest, without 

 in any way altering a style which is essentially informal. 

 Supposing then that a natural stream or pond exists 

 somewhere on the property, our first thought must be 

 to secure convenient access. Frequently the stream 

 borders the garden proper, or it may intersect a small 

 paddock, or run parallel to the side of the orchard. 

 Occasionally we are called upon to consider a pond 

 somewhat overgrown by trees and surrounded by a 

 swampy margin, which has hitherto caused the spot to be 

 regarded as inaccessible. The actual making of suitable 

 paths calls for no great skill, in fact the rougher and more 

 irregularly they are formed, the better. Any appearance 

 of uniformity will quite mar the effect, as will the use of 

 gravel surfaces or trimmed edges. To appreciate the 

 value of simplicity, it is worth while examining closely a 

 rough track formed by the passage of wild creatures 

 down to some woodland drinking place or forest pool. 

 In all cases the line of easiest gradient is followed, natural 

 obstacles are skirted closely, and the water approached 

 at some convenient bay or inlet. Variety is given to the 

 path by the projection through its surface of tree roots 

 and worn stones, which instead of proving a hindrance, 

 often secure a firm foothold on a steep or slippery descent. 

 The edges of such pathways will fade imperceptibly into 

 the grass and undergrowth, and apart from mere 

 picturesqueness, the idea of utility and purpose is ever 

 present. Marshy ground calls for more thorough 

 treatment before the path can be used with comfort and 

 safety in all weathers. By excavating a sufficient depth 

 of soil and laying a foundation of stones and rough 

 material, afterwards filling in with ballast, a convenient 

 approach can be formed through all but very wet ground. 



