ON LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



37 



the outlines of the water in the same way, for a small garden 

 necessarily looks artificial. 



It may be necessary to hide from the view of the spectator, 

 by plantations at certain points, portions of the lake, in order to 

 vary the impressions created as he goes round. If the shores 

 are flat and uninteresting, variations can be made by raising the 

 opposite banks at different spots, and planting them with trees 

 which will be reflected in the water. Trees must not fringe the 

 shore, for they would impart to the water a gloomy appearance ; 

 but single trees, especially those of pendulous habit, may be 

 planted to hang over the water. Light must be allowed to 

 reflect freely, giving freshness and colour to the scene. The 

 views from the house or other points of the garden should be 

 directed towards the lake where the largest water prospect is 

 obtainable. For the same reason views on a river must be 

 guided, if possible, up or down stream, and not across it. Islands 

 give variety to the outlines of a lake or river. They should 

 not be placed in the centre, but on the side, and there should 

 not be less than i6ft. of water between them and the mainland. 

 If a bridge is constructed, its narrowest point should be at 

 right angles with the shore. The banks, where there will not 

 be any planting, should be turfed below the water-lines. The 

 slopes of the sides immediately below the water-level should be 

 steep, so that when the water falls there will not be any muddy 

 shore laid bare. The depth of the water should not be less 

 than-4ft., in order to prevent a too rapid evaporation from taking 

 place. 



The construction of a lake must be done with great care, though 

 it does not actually differ much from the work in connection 

 with the formation of the ground already dealt with. If the earth- 

 work consist only of an ordinary excavation, the earth obtained, 

 when not needed to raise the level of the soil intended for 

 groups of trees or to fill depressions of the ground, may be 

 employed close by, in order to avoid unnecessary cartage and 

 work, to vary the aspect of the shores, or to form plantations 

 near the lake or the river. It may, however, happen that the 

 excavation of a lake, or the modification of the bed and the 

 course of a river, demand a special treatment. The soil may 

 be boggy, rendering the task difficult. The work ought to be 

 done in the winter, when the ground is hard, and in portions. 

 Dykes of clay should be erected between the excavated part 

 and the water, and the pump kept working without interruption. 



