62 WATER. 



The extent of the reflecting surface should be in proportion to 

 the extent of the grounds : if there be too great a surface of water, 

 and the distance be flat, a part of the distant bank may be raised 

 and planted, which will have the eflect of bringing the objects nearer; 

 and in that proportion lessen the expanse of the water. If a piece 

 of water be shut in by banks, and abridged in its requisite appear- 

 ance ; by levelling the distance, it will seem extended, and the termi- 

 nation will become less evident. The introduction of the view of 

 a promontory on some part of the shore will break too great an 

 expanse of water; and the appearance of the water again beyond, 

 will convey an idea of a river in continuation : thus an infinite and 

 pleasing variety may be produced, by breaking the dull monotony of 

 a straight line on the edge of water. 



In directing the course of a river, its turnings should be made 

 easy and natural — neither too numerous nor sudden ; it should wind 

 through a vale, and, if any part be uninteresting, an island or some 

 other object calculated to break the uniformity, and give variety to 

 the scene, should be introduced. Where the course of a river 

 is through a park, it may with advantage be conducted amidst a 

 portion of the wooded scenery ; since it is desirable to have the 

 water sometimes concealed, and then again appear where it will 

 be viewed with renewed pleasure. The banks are next to be con- 

 sidered ; which may be varied; occasionally having some parts level. 



