292 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



some distance, again uniting at a point below, creating addi- 

 tional diversity by its varying form.*- 



Brooks, rivulets, and even rills, may frequently be greatly 

 improved by altering the form of their beds in various places. 

 Often, by merely removing a few trifling obstructions, loose 

 stones, branches, etc.. or hollowing away the adjoining bank 

 for a short distance, fine little expanses or pools of still water 

 may be formed, which are happily contrasted with the more 

 ruo-ged course of the rest of the stream. Such improvements 

 of these minor water courses, are much preferable to widen- 

 ing them into flat, insipid, tame canals or rivers, which, 

 though they present greater surface to the eye, are a thou- 

 sand times inferior in the impetuosity of motion, and musical, 

 'babbling sound,' so delightful in rapid brooks and rivulets.f 



Cascades and ivater-falls are the most charming features 

 of natural brooks and rivulets. Whatever may be their size 

 they are always greatly admired, and in no way, is the pe- 

 culiar stillness of the air experienced in the country more 

 pleasingly broken, than by the melody of falling water. 

 Even the gurgling and mellow sound of a small rill, leaping 



* The Abbe Delille has given us a fine image of a brook thus divided, in the 

 following Hnes : — 



"Plus loin, il se s^pare en deux ruisseaux agiles, 

 Clui, se-suivant I'un I'autre avec rapidite, 

 Disputent de vitess et de limpiditfe ; i 



Puis, rejoignant tons deux lelit qui les rassemble, 

 Murmurent enchantes de voyager ensemble. ^ 



Ainsi, toujours arrant de d6tour en detour, 

 Muet, bruyant, paisible, inquiet tour k tour, 

 Sous mille aspects divers son cours se renouvelle." 



\ The most successful improvement of a natural brook that we have ever wit- 

 nessed, has been effected in the grounds of Henry Sheldon, Esq. of Tarrytown, 

 N. Y. The great variety and beauty displayed in about a fourth of a mile of the 

 course of this stream, its pretty cascades, rustic bridges, rockwork, etc., reflect 

 the highest credit on the taste of that gentleman. 



