56 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 
moss grown in a short time, and with a growth of ferns 
in the crevices would look exceedingly well. Frequently 
such streams are fringed by a plantation, through which 
a pathway could be made; the walk should be brought 
close to the stream at the most interesting points, and 
may then meander away among the trees. The Torrent 
Walk at Dolgelly is a stream of this kind, and though 
in a sense a show place, parts of it are delightfully wild 
and free. 
The worst possible treatment of the stream is to make 
it an excuse for the erection of trumpery rustic bridges, 
unnecessary stepping stones and those varied etceteras 
which are only possible near water of some description. 
The designer should have in view the opportunity 
which is presented him of making the stream and its 
banks the home of a good collection of aquatics; if the 
requirements of plant life are closely studied and carried 
into effect, there will be little chance of the stream 
proving anything but satisfactory. 
Irregular shaped pieces of water are seldom satis~ 
factory, unless they are closely modelled on those found 
in nature. Varied outline is usually considered satis- 
factory in that it enables a spirit of indefiniteness to be 
preserved, and the true extent of the pond or lake to 
be concealed from view. Whilst this is occasionally 
desirable, it is by no means invariably so, and it often 
happens that all idea of breadth and dignity is lost in 
the effort to secure irregularity. Numerous curves 
along the shore line, and the formation of unnecessary 
bays and promontories, generally stamp the work as 
artificial to the last degree. To realise the principle 
which partly governs the shape of such pieces of water, 
it is helpful to note the action of a quick rushing stream 
or river on the banks which confine it. A lake is often 
but a swollen section of a stream. The only thing to 
cause a deviation in the course of a river is the en- 
