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PICTURESQUE I M P 1 1 V E M E N T . 



BOOK I*. 



In altering artificial water, the first thing is to consider the 

 character which ought to be adopted, and in the next place to 

 execute that character in the best manner and with least ex- 

 pence. The first particular has been treated of under situation, 

 margin, Sec. and the last will be chiefly considered under the 

 7th Section, and that part of Book II. which relates to execu- 

 tion. In man j cases, however, the alteration is so very simple, 

 as to require little art either in design or practice. At Ma- 

 chany a beautiful natural brook was some years ago formed into 

 one of the most disgusting kinds of serpentine ponds. The 

 improvement which I advised there was just to take away part 

 of the head, and the first winter's flood would do all the rest. 

 A large lake at Barn barrow, the continuation of which is shewn 

 in front of the house (Plate XIV.), will be produced by little 

 more than forming the head, which will completely drown the 

 small serpentine rivulet that is shewn in the plate which repre- 

 sents the former appearance of that scene. Many like cases 

 occur. Fig. 6. Plate XVII. shews a plan given in by a modern 

 improver, for making another piece of water at Baro barrow: it 

 was, however, rejected by the good taste of the proprietor; in- 

 stead of it, I propose little more than erecting a head, and vary-, 

 ing the margin after the water has found its level, e represents 

 the circular form of a small pond at Castlewig, varied by trees, 

 &c. which was proposed to be altered and made in the shape of 



