TREATMENT OF WATER. 
335 
propriety, when there is a natural indication in the grounds 
through which it is proposed to divert it — as a succession 
or hollows, etc., to form the future channel. Sometimes, a 
brisk little brook can be divided into two smaller ones for 
some distance, again uniting at a point below, creating addi- 
tional diversity by its varying form.* 
Brooks, rivulets, and even rills, may frequently be greatly 
improved by altering the form of their beds in various places. 
Often by merely removing a few trifling obstructions, loose 
stones, branches, etc., or hollowing away the adjoining bank 
for a short distance, fine little expanses or pools of still water 
may be formed, which are happily contrasted with the more 
rugged course of the rest of the stream. Such improvements 
of these minor water courses, are much preferable to widen., 
ing them into flat, insipid, tame canals or rivers, which, 
though they present greater surface to the eye, are a thou- 
sand times inferior in the impetuosity of motion, and musical, 
“ babbling sound,” so delightful in rapid brooks and rivulets.f 
Cascades and water-falls are the most charming features 
* The Abbe Delille has given us a fine image of a brook thus divided, in the 
following lines:—- 
“ Plus loin, il se separe en deux ruisseaux agiles, 
Qui, se suivant l’un 1’autre avec rapidite, 
Disputent de vitesse et de limpidite ; 
Puis, rejoignant tous deux le lit qui les rassemble, 
Murmurent enchantes de voyager ensemble. 
Ainsi, toujours arrant de detour en detour, 
Muet, bruyant, paisible, inquiet tour a tour, 
Sous mille aspects divers son cours se renouvelle.” 
t The most successful improvement of a natural brook that we have ever wit- 
nessed, has been effected in the grounds of Henry Sheldon, Esq., of Tarrytown, 
N. Y. The great variety and beauty displayed in about a fourth of a mile of the 
course of this stream, its pretty cascades, rustic bridges, rockwork, etc., reflect the 
highest credit on the taste of that gentleman. 
