WATER AND WOODLAND 
97 
show, by a wooden bridge. This bridge was built by Sir William 
Chambers, whose design “ was in a great measure taken from one of 
Palladio’s wooden bridges.” It was erected in one night. 
Old plans show George III.’s Lake to have been in existence as far 
back as 1771, when it occupied part of the site of the present Palm 
by underground springs. Filled up on some sides and extended on 
others, it was given its present character and semi-oval shape by 
W. A. Nesfield in 1847. The broad gravel path between it and the 
formal parterre on the Palm House side is a popular promenade in 
spring and summer. One of the chief attractions to the general public 
is a varied collection of waterfowl. A fountain in the centre of the 
Pond plays for a few hours on summer afternoons. 
About 150 yards from the south-western extremity of the Lake, 
on the right-hand side of the avenue of Atlas cedars which stretches 
densed steam and waste water from the neighbouring pumping-station 
were then diverted into it. It has proved an excellent spot for water- 
lily culture. The noble aquatic plant, Thalia dealbata, succeeds very 
well in the slightly warmed water. The rare Zizania aquatica or 
“ Indian Rice ” also grows here and ripens its seeds annually. 
In a garden situated on a perfectly flat piece of ground, as Kew 
mostly is, large trees become very important elements in the land- 
substitute. All the present diversities of surface in Kew are of artificial 
origin ; but even now, were the place devoid of trees, the eye could 
range from a single point over pretty nearly every one of its 300 acres. 
The sylvan beauty of Kew is of two kinds. In the northern and 
more highly cultivated part most of the trees are isolated or in small 
groups. Here the interest and charm of the trees are individual 
rather than collective. Each tree is more or less a “ specimen,” 
and stands on its own merits. Many of them are of foreign origin 
George III.’s 
Lake. 
House, besides extending some distance in the direc- 
tion of Kew Palace. It was partially filled up in 1814. 
The Pond, which is all that remains of it, is still fed 
thence towards the Pagoda, there is the small piece 
of water which is so charmingly depicted by Mr. Olivier. 
Originally a depression caused by excavating for gravel, 
it was in 1897 made watertight by a “ tamping ” of clay. The con- 
Trees and 
Woodland. 
scape. Variety of aspect and outlook can most effec- 
tively be obtained where there is a natural formation 
of hill and valley ; in their absence trees make the only 
