COUNTRY MANSIONS. 



423 



487. In modern gardening, a long winding canal of still water is frequently 

 the most effective form in which that element can be introduced ; and it is 

 sometimes so good an imitation of a river in a tame country, as to leave 

 nothing to be desired. This, however, can only take place where long 

 reaches of it are seen at a considerable distance from the eye, as at Oatlands ; 

 or where it is seen only in successional portions, by a spectator walking near 



296 



it, and the walk being of considerable length, as at Esher. Sometimes a 

 bridge may be introduced over a piece of water of this kind with very good 

 effect ; but care must be taken to let the size of the arches be proportionate 

 to that of the house and grounds. This bridge, with massive stone arches, as 

 shown in Jig, 296, would be out of place where everything around was of 

 small size ; and a bridge with small low arches, as shown in jig. 297, would 



297 



/'"V' 







have a much better effect. Most commonly such canals are near the eye, 

 vary considerably in width, and are generally contracted towards both extre- 

 mities, so as to leave no doubt in the mind of the spectator that they are only 

 ponds. Pieces of water of this kind are frequently of such a length as not to 

 be seen all at once, but in succession ; and as, from the irregularity of their 

 width, they can never, when so seen, be mistaken for a river, they ought to 



