316 , LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



of lakes and ponds. In some places where easy, beautiful 

 slopes and undulations of ground border the streams, 

 gravel, soft turf, and a few simple groups of trees, will be 

 the most natural accompaniments ; in others where the 

 borders of the stream are broken into rougher, more 

 rocky, and precipitous ridges, all the rich wildness and 

 intricacy of low shrubs, ferns, creeping and climbing 

 plants, may be brought in to advantage. Where the 

 extent to be thus improved is considerable, the trouble 

 may be lessened by planting the larger growth, and sowing 

 the seeds of the smaller plants mingled together. Prepare 

 the materials, and time and nature, with but little occa- 

 sional assistance, will mature, and soften, and blend 

 together the whole, in their own matchless and inimitable 

 manner. 



From all that we have suggested in these limited 

 remarks, it will be seen that we would only attempt in our 

 operations with water, the graceful or picturesque imitations 

 of natural lakes or ponds, and brooks, rivulets, and streams. 

 Such are the only forms in which this unrivalled element 

 can be displayed so as to harmonize agreeably with natural 

 and picturesque scenery. In the latter, there can be no 

 apology made for the introduction of straight canals, 

 round or oblong pieces of water, and all the regular forms 

 of the geometric mode ; because they would evidently be 

 in violent opposition to the whole character and expres- 

 sion of natural landscape. In architectural, or flower 

 gardens (on which we shall hereafter have occasion to 

 offer some remarks), where a different and highly artificial 

 arrangement prevails, all these regular forms, with various 

 jets, fountains, etc., may be employed with good taste, 

 and wil 1 combine well with the other accessories of such 



