THE FLIGHT OF THE WOOD-NYMPHS. 437 



vases, holding some flaunting exotic, stood in their as- 

 signed positions. 



Two years had not elapsed before the design of the 

 improver was completed, and the whole aspect of the 

 place was changed, as if by enchantment. The rustic 

 cart-paths that led over the hills and through the woods 

 and valleys were widened and covered with a neat spread 

 of gravel, and all their crooked outlines were trimmed 

 into a graceful shape. An air of neatness was apparent 

 in every direction. The undergrowth of the wood was 

 removed, certain misshapen trees were cut down, and all 

 rubbish was taken away that could afford a harbor for 

 noxious insects or mischievous quadrupeds. The lake 

 that was embroidered with alders, swamp roses, button- 

 bushes, the fragrant clethra, and the drooping andromeda, 

 was improved by the removal of all these useless plants, 

 and gravel and loam were carted down to its edges, which 

 were then covered with soil and sowed with grass seed, 

 to afford a neat and lawn-like appearance to the grounds, 

 and to visitors a firm foundation for their feet. The fre- 

 quent tufts of shrubbery that gave a ragged look to the 

 pasture were likewise removed, and the whole was planted 

 with the most approved grasses. 



Not many rods from the cottage was a natural fountain 

 that bubbled up from a subterranean source in the hill- 

 side, from which the farmer irrigated the greater part of 

 his lands. It was a true rustic fountain, girded on one 

 side by steep fern-clad rocks, and overshadowed by the 

 gnarled and twisted branches of the tupelo, one of the 

 most grotesque and beautiful trees in the forest. From 

 .this fountain issued a rivulet, which was conducted along 

 the declivity, until it 'poured its waters into a wooden 

 trough, and formed a watering-place for the cattle. These 

 objects were altogether too rude to be admitted as a part 

 of the map of improvements. The bed of the fountain 



