special Features 223 



10. Water in summer weather is always grateful by impart- 

 ing at least a semblance of coolness in addition to all those 

 beautiful and varied effects which the influence of atmos- 

 pheric phenomena begets. But an essential condition to its 

 enjoyment is that it should be pure and clear. And this it 

 can never be unless it is either continually changing by hav- 

 ing an uninterrupted stream of fresh water flowing through 

 it, or by being fully exposed to the action of light and air. 

 Ponds that are encircled by trees are nearly always foul. 

 Having a clay bottom and slopes, however, will contribute 

 greatly towards keeping the water pure. Aquatic plants 

 are also of much use, when not too abundant, in preserving 

 stagnant water from putridity. 



In whatever way pieces of water may be introduced into a 

 small place, simple forms appear by far the most congenial. 

 Basins, either with or without fountains attached, and having 

 a stone rim, will be in the best taste for formal gardens and 

 can be either circular, octagonal, or of any other regular 

 shape. Roundish or somewhat oblong pools or ponds will be 

 another suitable class of figures for a small piece of water 

 where more agreement with nature is sought. But if still 

 greater freedom be desired and space be not so much an 

 object, the shape may be more varied and irregular. 



The principal advantage of a varied outline for water is 

 that it will not be all seen at the same time and that by a 

 tasteful treatment of its terminations considerable indefinite- 

 ness may be obtained in it. It is most essential, however, 

 that numerous and unnecessary curves and bays which 

 would destroy all appearance of breadth should be omitted. 

 Islands, too, though they increase the variety and beauty of 

 an extensive sheet of water rather fritter away and impover- 

 ish smaller lakes unless they are adapted nicely to the 

 dimensions of the whole. 



