EMBELLISHMENTS. 399 



a constant stream, of greater or less size, runs through the 

 grounds, and divides the banks on opposite sides, a bridge 

 of some description, if it is only a narrow plank over a 

 rivulet, is highly necessary. In pieces of artificial water 

 that are irregular in outline, a narrow strait is often pur- 

 posely made, with the view of introducing a bridge for 

 effect. 



When the stream is large and bold, a handsome archi- 

 tectural bridge of stone or timber is by far the most suitable ; 

 especially if the stream is near the house, or if it is crossed 

 on the Approach road to the mansion ; because a character 

 of permanence and solidity is requisite in such cases. But 

 when it is only a winding rivulet or crystal brook, which 

 meanders along beneath the shadow of tufts of clustering 

 foliage of the pleasure-ground or park, a rustic bridge may 

 be brought in with the happiest effect. 

 Fig. 83 is a rustic bridge erected under 

 our direction. The foundation is made 

 [Fig. es.j by laying down a few large square 



stones beneath the surface on both sides of the stream to 

 be spanned ; upon these are stretched two round posts or 

 sleepers with the bark on, about eight or ten inches in 

 diameter. The rustic hand-rail is framed into these two 

 sleepers. The floor of the bridge is made by laying down 

 small posts of equal size, about four or six inches in diame- 

 ter, crosswise upon the sleepers, and nailing them down 

 securely. The bark is allowed to remain on in every 

 piece of wood employed in the construction cf this little 

 bridge ; and when the wood is cut at the proper season 

 (durable kinds being chosen), such a bridge, well made 

 will remain in excellent order for many years. 



Rockwork is another kind of decoration sometimes intro- 



