WATER. 



191 



CHAPTER VIII. 



WATER. 



Artificial Lakes — Islands — The Head or Artificial Embankment — 

 Decorative Accompaniments — Artificial Rivers — Jet Fountains — 

 Jets d'Eau — Propriety of Introducing Water. 



Of all the varied materials in the composition of 

 natural scenery, there is none that produces more 

 beauty, variety and interest than water ; nor is there 

 any that enters into so many pleasing combinations 

 with surrounding objects. This felicity in adjusting 

 itself to the beautiful in nature awakens a strong de- 

 sire for the introduction of so pleasing an element 

 into the more artificial arrangements of parks and 

 pleasure-grounds. In these it assumes a diversity of 

 forms, such as artificial lakes, ponds, rivers, waterfalls, 

 fountains, and jets d'eau — means of ornament which, 

 when skillfully executed and kept in their proper 

 places, are always a great acquisition to the grounds 

 into which they are introduced. 



In the formation of an artificial lake there are two 

 requisites of almost equal importance. The first is an 

 adequate supply of water, without which, indeed, we 

 may make a morass or weedy pool, but not a pleasing 

 sheet of the liquid element. The second, and not in- 

 ferior object is a suitable site for the lake. If the 

 locality does not convey the impression that the water 



