58§ PICTURESQUE IMPROVEMENT. BOOK I. 



be seen in Plate XVI. fig. 1., but which is at present altering,, 

 from my suggestions. 



2. The general shape. — This depends upon the character to 

 be created. Whatever be the magnitude of lakes or ponds, they 

 should be of irregular shape, more or less wooded and never en- 

 tirely naked ; always disguised by prominences and masses ; 

 and as often as occasion serves further varied by islands simi- 

 larly managed. The form and direction of a river must de- 

 pend upon its size and the kind of country that it is to pass 

 through. Large rivers in fertile plains are generally much less 

 varied in direction than small ones ; and both are much less so, 

 than those which pursue their course through a hilly surface or 

 rocky soil. Large rivers can never be imitated where there does 

 not exist a very considerable stream ; because without this suf- 

 ficient motion can never be communicated ; but the course of 

 natural rivers may frequently be altered, improved, or divided ; 

 and in such cases these remarks will apply. A branch might 

 be taken off from the river in front of Warwick Castle with 

 immense advantage; so there might at Netherby, Scone, Fluers, 



« in compliance with that general satisfaction which the eye derives from the glitter 

 of water, however absurd its situation," but also from the consideration " that al- 

 though water on a hill is generally deemed unnatural, yet all rivers derive their 

 sources from hills, and the highest mountains are known to have lakes or pools of 

 water near their summits." Those who can be convinced by this kind of reason- 

 ing well deserve the punishment of having such pieces of water in their grounds. 



