GARDEN HOUSES, BRIDGES, ETC. 257 



But there are many cases where some kind of bridge is necessary 



in pleasure grounds or woodlands where there might be more 



excuse for the rustic-worker's bridge. The difficulty 



Earth-bank of the light woodwork bridge is that it begins to 



bridges. rot as soon as it is put up, and we find that, even 



when done in the best way, with Larch or Oak, 



and by old-fashioned workmen, who get as much simplicity of form 



and endurance out of it as they can, the years pass so rapidly and 



British rain is so constant, that rot and decay are all we get out 



of it, and very often such bridges fall into such a dangerous state 



before we have time to repair them, that animals often get into 



danger from them. 



A much better way is the earth-bank, with a drain pipe through, 

 and this suffices where there is a slight, steady, or an occasional flow 

 of water, and also to cross gorges or depressions. We can find the 

 earth to make it on the spot, and by punning, and in the case of 

 larger work of this kind, carting over it, we can get it to settle down 

 in one winter to the level we want it, and soon have an excellent and 

 permanent way across. Such banks will support any weight, and are 

 as free from decay as the best stone bridge. One of their best points 

 is that the sides and approaches and slope of the earth-bank can be 

 made pretty at once by planting with Honeysuckle, Broom, Sweet 

 Brier, or any other hardy things. Another advantage of the bank is, 

 that the simplest workman can form it. The materials being on the 

 spot, it is foolish to cart things a long way. Even when we have 

 stone or brick at hand the labour has to be considered. By making 

 a culvert of bricks and cement, the earth-bank is equally good to 

 cross constantly running streamlets. 



The summer-house is generally a failure and often a heap of 



decay. To make such a structure of wood that soon decays is labour 



wasted. It may be possible, by using the best 



The summer- woods and good Oak slabs, to make a summer- 

 house, house which will be picturesque and enduring, 

 but it is better to build it of stone or some 

 lasting material and cover it with Vines and quick-growing climbers. 



One can make an enduring and charming summer-house out of 

 living trees. An old Yew or a group of old Yews, or a low-spreading 

 Oak (there is a fine example of this kind of living summer-house 

 at Shrubland), an old Beech or a group of evergreen Oaks will make 

 a pleasant summer-house, and with a little care for effect, and by 

 pruning away old and worn-out branches, so as to get air and room 

 without injuring the beauty of the trees, it is easy to form cool tents 

 for hot days. 



The iron fence destroys the beauty of half the country seats in 



R 



