WATER. 63 



SO as to throw open to the view an expanse of water, while other 

 parts may be raised for the purpose of its concealment. 



A piece of running water, wholly exposed, affords little interest ; 

 but viewed with accompanying embellishments, it produces one of 

 the grandest ornaments which the hand of a master can possibly 

 effect on the most extensive domain. Who ever beheld the grand 

 and powerful effect of water at Blenheim, without emotions of sur- 

 prise and admiration ? 



A rivulet is always an object imparting pleasure in a sequestered 

 situation, but it does not bear sufficient importance to become 

 a conspicuous object in rural scenes ; and yet the purling stream 

 which encircled the grounds of Shenstone's villa at the Leasowes 

 was ever an object of delight and importance : in various parts it 

 produced effects both pleasing and interesting ; at times seen, and not 

 heard — again the pleasing murmurs were heard, when the cause was 

 not seen. Thus, a rill murmuring through a wood seems to implore 

 the observer to contemplate its solitary course, while its glittering 

 ripple enlivens and decorates the scene. 



Perhaps the most striking effect water is capable of producing is 

 in a cascade, or a natural water-fall. (Plate 5.) The mind receives 

 pleasing impressions of wonder and delight, while witnessing the 

 liquid element descending from on high in various sheets, which 

 sparkle with a diamond lustre as they fall — the cloudy spray reflect- 



