Che shunt Cottage. 



673 



View across the Water, looking towards the House. 



appearance of these plants in their native habitats. The ap- 

 pearance of these agaves, and also of a large crassula, is indi- 

 cated in a view of the boat-house. Jig. 173. in p. 667.; and it is 

 only from a seat among these agaves that any part of the pond 

 can be seen from this side of it. Had a walk been conducted 

 completely round the pond, and near its margin, the charm of 

 partial concealment would have been entirely lost. The high 

 banks have been formed with earth taken out of the pond, and 

 these have given occasion to a considerable variety in the in- 

 clination, as well as in the direction, of the walks. The banks 

 are planted on the same principle as the open lawn ; that is, 

 with trees and shrubs having striking foliage or showy flowers, 

 and with a judicious mixture of evergreens to give the effect 

 of cheerfulness in winter. In the water are two large plants of 

 Calla aethiopica Lin., which cover a space of nearly 5 ft. in 

 diameter; they have lived there through ten winters without 

 any protection, the water being 5 ft. deep ; and they flower 

 luxuriantly every year. The views across the water, to the 

 house and to the other parts of the grounds, are singularly 

 varied, owing to the winding direction of the walk, and the con- 

 sequently changing position of the island, and of the trees in 



