THE DECORATIVE TREATMENT OF WATER. 



for smaller ones, most of the larger Continental towns can provide material for adaptation, 

 such as that shown in illustration No. 246. Illustration No. 247 shows one essentially 

 English in its treatment. 



Before leaving the subject of fountains, a practical point of prime importance applying Water 

 equally to every kind must be touched upon. This is the paramount necessity of a con- supply for 



stant and ample supply 

 of water at a cheap 

 enough rate to allow 

 of its regular use. To 

 insist urgently on such 

 an obvious point would 

 seem somewhat un- 

 necessary, if practical 

 observation did not 

 show that fountains 

 as garden ornaments 

 have become complete- 

 ly discredited in the 

 minds of many people, 

 from the numbers of 

 failures from this cause 

 which disfigure the 

 pleasaunces of this 

 country. The fountain 

 should play joyously, 

 not weep sadly, and 

 nothing can be more 

 distressing to the true 

 lover of gardens than 

 a dusty fountain de- 

 void of water or one 

 which feebly trickles, 

 the very picture of 

 ineptitude and incapa- 

 city. No amount of 

 fine sculpture or effec- 

 tive setting can justify 

 a fountain which can 

 only be used on very 

 special occasions and 

 then suggests nothing 

 so vividly to the mind 

 of the owner as a vision of water bills to come. 



In this connection Evelyn's description of the fountain at Hampton Court comes to 

 mind. " In ye garden is a real noble fountain with syrens, statues, etc., cast in copper 

 by Farnelli, but no plenty of water." Constancy of supply is of far more importance 

 than a large amount or a heavy pressure, though all these factors will have their influence 

 on the form the fountain will take. If it is known beforehand that, at certain seasons, 

 the supply will be very slight, while at others there will be more water than can be con- 

 veniently used, the fountain may be so designed that it will appear complete with one 

 small jet, while other displays may be available for use when possible. There may even 



fountains. 



FIG. 247. WALL FOUNTAIN IN GRANITE. 



185 



