CHAPTER IX 



FOUNTAINS 



Ever since the art of gardening took concrete form, 

 designers have realised the desirability of including water, 

 as part of the composition of the ideal garden scene. 

 Whether it be a natural stream or rivulet, about whose 

 banks the garden has been laid, or merely an artificial 

 basin kept filled by means of pipes, gardeners in every age 

 have seized the opportunity of making it a decided feature. 

 To ensure the best results, movement is essential, and so 

 we find that fountains were hailed with delight as afford- 

 ing a means of obtaining new and beautiful effects in the 

 pleasure grounds. In ancient Greece, fountains were 

 dedicated to gods and goddesses, and to these Pausanias 

 makes frequent reference. Herodotus speaks of the cele- 

 brated fountain of Pirene at Corinth, which, according 

 to this writer, was constructed of white stone, with 

 numerous cells from which the water flowed into the 

 main basin. The legend connected with it proves that 

 the air of mystery and romance which still clings to our 

 garden fountains was not absent in these early times. It 

 is said that the nymph Pyrene, whose son was killed by 

 Diana, wept so profusely that she was in consequence 

 changed into a fountain. The mood of the fountain 

 truly changes with the weather, for on a dull and cloudy 

 day it is anything but an inspiriting object, whilst in the 

 sunlight its waters flash and sparkle with countless radiant 

 hues. 

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