54 ROCK AND WATER GARDENS 



In some cases it will be necessary to use flat stones, in 

 order to prevent the ballast from sinking; in others a 

 substructure of wooden piles driven into the ground 

 may be required. The use of stepping stones to connect 

 one section of the pathway with another is suggestive of 

 variety, and is especially suitable where a shallow branch 

 of the main stream has to be crossed. 



If the actual making of such pathways is a simple 

 matter, calling for rough and substantial treatment 

 rather than skilled workmanship, the planning of their 

 course demands much thought and no little artistic 

 perception. Too frequently the path follows closely 

 the bank of the stream throughout its whole length, 

 producing the monotonous effect which is inseparable 

 from a canal towing path. In the case of a pond, the 

 path often completely encircles it at a regular distance. 

 Apart from other considerations, it is unlikely that the 

 whole course of the stream garden will prove equally 

 worthy of notice, and for this reason, the path should 

 turn inland at the less interesting spots, bending back 

 towards the bank when some desirable feature presents 

 itself. 



The gradual unfolding of a particular view is pro- 

 ductive of pleasure and interest where a large expanse 

 of country is concerned ; it is seldom satisfactory where 

 inches take the place of miles. This point is one that 

 the garden-maker would do well to keep in mind, 

 especially where small pieces of water are under con- 

 sideration. For this reason, advantage should be taken 

 of clumps of trees, small knolls or natural rock excres- 

 cences, behind which the pathway may be carried. 

 Anything in fact which will tend to break the con- 

 tinuity of view, and screen, if only momentarily, our 

 stream from sight. As the water margin on the side 

 opposite the path will be most easily seen, it is often 

 advisable to provide stepping stones or a simple form of 



