220 THE BOOK OF THE LANDED ESTATE. 



swarded. The slope of the embankment in this case is supposed to be 

 covered with grass turf ; but, in the absence of this, a stone facing may 

 be adopted." 



In some cases I think it is advisable to remove earth from the river 

 side of the embankment, especially where it is somewhat irregular and 

 undulating. The removal of such irregular earth, and a general levelling 

 to it, will make way for the water, and prevent any impediment to its 

 course. 



Cases occur where the water of a river does not rise to any great 

 height ; but from the action of it upon the loose earth, the banks 

 keep gradually breaking down, and often make considerable inroads 

 on agricultural lands. This may be prevented by facing with stones 

 or piling with small wood. Fig. 86 shows a system of common piling. 



This is performed by driving 

 FIG. 86. . ,. 



in small posts of wood along 



the bank, about two and a 

 half feet into the soil at the 

 bottom of the water, and about 

 eighteen inches apart from each 

 other. Upon these either one 



or two lengths of rails should be nailed one row at the top and the 

 other half-way down ; and behind this brushwood is packed in pretty 

 thick. When this is carefully done, it lasts a long time, and materially 

 preserves the banks from being washed away. 



The materials necessary to form an embankment must depend in 

 a great degree on the force with which the water will flow against it. 

 Thus, if the water is stagnant, as in a pond, or if it flows sluggishly, 

 as many of our English rivers do, then, in either of these cases, an 

 embankment formed of earth alone, properly put together, and with 

 the necessary slope, will be sufficient to resist the water ; but, on the 

 other hand, if the water flows with considerable force in the direction 

 of the bank, then that side of it next the stream should be made with 

 piles of timber, masonry, or well packed with stones without mortar. 

 There is generally the greatest danger in the banks giving way at the 

 base, from the force of the water undermining it. It is at that point 

 where it should be made strongest, and attended to from, time to time 

 to observe that no undermining is going on, and to put a stop to it 

 before any serious injury is done. 



There are two points to be considered previous to forming the em- 

 bankment along the side of the river: 1st, That the greater the width 

 given between the embankments, the less height will be required on 

 them ; and, 2d, That the smaller the space given to the river, the water 



