JET FOUNTAINS. 



199 



sustain the character aimed at; or if the breadth is in- 

 creased to afford an adequate expanse, the movement 

 of the water disappears, and the result is only a stag- 

 nant canal or an elongated pool. It is certainly bet- 

 ter to leave the stream in its natural state; or, if 

 breadth of water is an object, to adopt the recom- 

 mendation of Sir Uvedale Price, viz : to spread it out 

 into a small lake, or chain of lakes, with the stream 

 flowing through them. 



Jet Fountains are more easily introduced into 

 dressed grounds than any other kind of ornamental 

 water, at least where there is an adequate supply, and 

 at a sufficient altitude in the source, within a moderate 

 distance. Their effects are also more immediate, as 

 they do not greatly depend on the growth of trees and 

 shrubs, or other progressive improvements. 



"We believe that few objects can be used for the 

 decoration of terraces and flower-gardens which are 

 more generally pleasing than a well-arranged archi- 

 tectural fountain in full play. Such fountains should 

 occupy conspicuous places in these localities; as, for 

 example, the crossing of leading walks, or the center 

 of a group of flower-beds. They are pleasing spec- 

 tacles in themselves, but they always yield the most 

 brilliant effect when surrounded with fine flowers and 

 shrubs or trees. 



A fountain, whether in full play or entirely idle, 

 may assume an intrinsic interest from the beauty of 

 its design. When placed in the vicinity of the man- 

 sion-house, it should harmonize with the general style 

 of the building, or, at least, should exhibit no marked 

 contrariety of character. In detached flower-gardens 

 the style of the fountain is of less importance; still, 



