WILD WATER MARGINS 5^ 



The overgrown appearance often presented by stream 



margins may also be relieved by the thinning out of coarse 



vegetation, and the removal of water weeds. In all such 



cases it should be our object to heighten interest, without 



in any way altering a style which is essentially informal. 



Supposing then that a natural stream or pond exists 



somewhere on the property, our first thought must be 



to secure convenient access. Frequently the stream 



borders the garden proper, or it may intersect a small 



paddock, or run parallel to the side of the orchard. 



Occasionally we are called upon to consider a pond 



somewhat overgrown by trees and surrounded by a 



swampy margin, which h^Jjitherto caused the spot to be 



regarded as inaccessible. pThe actual making of suitable 



paths calls for no great skill, in fact the rougher and more 



irregularly they are formed, the better. Any appearance 



of uniformity will quite mar the effect, as will the use of 



gravel surfaces or trimmed edges. To appreciate the 



value of simplicity, it is worth while examining closely a 



rough track formed by the passage of wild creatures 



down to some woodland drinking place or forest pool. 



In all cases the line of easiest gradient is followed, natural 



obstacles are skirted closely, and the water approached 



at some convenient bay or inlet. Variety is given to the 



path by the projection through its surface of tree roots 



and worn stones, which instead of proving a hindrance, 



often secure a firm foothold on a steep or slippery descent. 



The edges of such pathways will fade imperceptibly into 



the grass and undergrowth, and apart from mere 



picturesqueness, the idea of utility and purpose is ever 



present. Marshy ground calls for more thorough 



treatment before the path can be used with comfort and 



safety in all weathers. By excavating a sufficient depth 



of soil and laying a foundation of stones and rough 



material, afterwards filling in with ballast, a convenient 



approach can be formed through all but very wet ground. 



