BRIDGES 83 



situations where none of the forms advocated are suitable, 

 the earth-bank, with either a drainpipe or small culvert 

 for the passage of the water, is often possible. Iron 

 bridges are quite unsuitable as an ornamental feature in 

 gardens — they are durable, and that is all, and stone or 

 brick should always be used in preference. 



Occasionally we find a small river or running stream 

 of considerable width dividing the garden, and the only 

 means of crossing conveniently would be by the erection 

 of a skeleton iron bridge. Rather than introduce so un- 

 picturesque an object, it might be well to consider the 

 advisability of making use of the " flying boat " for crossing 

 such pieces of water. The boat, which is anchored by a 

 fairly long cable to a post fixed in mid-stream, is generally 

 constructed so that its deck comes level with the gravel 

 walk. A rudder enables the sides of the boat to be kept 

 constantly oblique with the motion of the current, by 

 which means it is propelled from one side of the stream to 

 the other. Where the water is stagnant, the necessity of 

 a bridge may be avoided by the use of a punt, which is 

 drawn from one side to the other by pulling on a wire or 

 rope, which passes through blocks fixed to a post on either 

 bank, and is further secured to the punt itself. However, 

 neither of these methods of crossing water will possibly 

 commend itself to those who have the safety of children 

 to consider. In the great majority of cases, a simple 

 stone or wooden bridge will prove entirely adequate, and 

 when carefully planned will serve, not only a useful 

 purpose, but may prove decidedly ornamental as well. 



