310 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



which will much enliven the scene by their fine plumage. 

 Among these the swan is pre-eminent, for its beauty and 

 gracefulness. Abroad, they are the almost constant 

 accompaniments of water in the ground of country 

 residences ; and it cannot be denied that, floating about in 

 the limpid wave, with their snow-white plumage and 

 superbly curved necks, they are extremely elegant objects. 



After having arranged the banks, reared up the islands, 

 and completely formed the bed of the proposed lake, the 

 improver will next proceed, at the proper period, -to finish 

 his labors by clothing the newly formed ground, in various 

 parts, with vegetation. This may be done immediately, if 

 it be desirable ; or if the season be not favorable, it may be 

 deferred until the banks, and all the newly formed earth, 

 have had time to settle and assume their final forms, after 

 the dam has been closed, and the whole basin filled to its 

 intended height. 



Planting the margins of pieces of water, if they should 

 be of much extent, must evidently proceed upon the same 

 leading principle that we have already laid down for 

 ornamental plantations in other situations. That is, there 

 must be trees of different heights and sizes, and underwood 

 and shrubs of lower growth, disposed sometimes singly, at 

 others in masses, groups, and thickets : in all of which 

 forms, connexion must be preserved, arid the whole must be 

 made to blend well together, while the different sizes and 

 contours will prevent any sameness and confusion. On 

 the retreating dry banks, the taller and more sturdy 

 deciduous and evergreen trees, as the oak, ash, etc., may 

 be planted, and nearer by, the different willows, the elm, 

 the alder, and other trees that love a moister situation, will 

 thrive well. It is indispensably necessary, in order to 



