PART VII. PICTURESQUE IMPROVEMENT. 38? 



and many other places ; and much might be done at Alnwick. 

 If those who have had an opportunity of viewing the grounds 

 in front of Fluers Castle will only recollect the effect of the two 

 branches of the Tweed, and the junction of the other river im- 

 mediately above Kelso Bridge, no hesitation will be made as to 

 the grandeur of such improvements. The only doubts that can 

 occur will be respecting their propriety and utility, which must 

 depend entirely upon the will and taste of the proprietor : — 

 Whether he be content to give up a considerable portion of useful 

 surface, for grandeur of effect and the creation of magnificent 

 scenery. In such instances as Scone and Netherby, the fears 

 of some would be alarmed for the safety of the mansion in 

 times of high floods ; but in all cases where alterations of this 

 kind were made, and especially where the water was brought 

 so near to buildings, gardens, or other fixed objects, a floodgate 

 can easily be made where the new branch joins the principal 

 course of the river; and, as every person accustomed to live near 

 rivers is aware of floods before they happen, these gates could 

 easily be shut in proper time to exclude any extraordinary 

 quantity from entering branches of this kind. This could be 

 effectually accomplished if a cottage and cottager were placed 

 near the floodgate. But even though the water were admitted 

 in times of high floods, if proper precautions were taken to pre- 

 vent it from attacking particular spots, it would only improve 

 the picturesque beauty of the banks ; and this is easily done by 



