PART IX. A COUNTRY RESIDENCE. 597 



feeding ; and those for such fish as devour others, as pike, &c. 

 Often, and generally, these ponds may be rendered picturesque 

 objects*. 



Fish-ponds of salt water are chiefly for the purpose of pre- 

 serving fish alive until wanted. They are easily formed by 

 making a deep excavation on the shore, and inclosing it on the 

 side next the sea. They should be so deep, as that during 

 the ebbing of the tide they may still contain a considerable 

 quantity of water, which will be renewed during every influx 

 of the tide. Such a pond, used for this purpose with excellent 

 effect, may be seen at Laggan. The idea was suggested there 

 by a natural hollow, and improved on by the ingenuity of the 

 proprietor. 



Every useful building is always an apology to the improver 

 for finding a picturesque object or composition. Even dog- 

 kennels will effect this purpose. They should always be 

 placed distant from the mansion, as well as excluded from the 

 most exquisite passages of scenery. Those at Bel voir are ex- 

 cellent ; but their situation will probably be regretted by some, 

 who can look forward to an obvious and grand improvement 

 which might be effected in the valley wherein they are placed. 



* For a full treatise on this subject, see Bradley's Husbandry, and Marshall's 

 Kitchen Gardener. 



