PRACTICAL BOOK OF GARDEN ARCHITECTURE 



Among the country estates along the Old York 

 Eoad are many rustic bridges in the wooded sec- 

 tions of the grounds where the streams flow through 

 bits of rugged beauty and past barns and outbuild- 

 ings. Here the rustic form is especially appropriate, 

 and when the bridge is slightly arched above the 

 stream it will be found more decorative than the flat 

 structure. 



Interesting treatments are found among the 

 larger bridges which span broad streams. As the 

 measure of the strength of the bridge is that of its 

 weakest part, special care is shown in the construc- 

 tion of the central portions. Where the strength of 

 a plain wooden bridge resting upon timber stringers 

 or cords does not provide sufficient sustaining 

 power for the timbers in the middle of the span 

 ornamental arches are built or other devices are used 

 by which the strengthened portions also contribute 

 to the decorative value. 



Whether the bridge is a little rustic-railed struc- 

 ture in the garden grove or built of elaborate stone- 

 work amid decorative garden accessories, it is 

 equally important to see that the foundations are so 

 firm that they will not be undermined by the action 

 of the water. Concrete foundations are often de- 

 sirable even when the remainder of the bridge is of 



timber construction or mortared stone-work. 



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