430 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
A species of useful decoration, which is perhaps more 
naturally suggested than any other, is the bridge. Where a 
constant stream, of greater or less size, runs through the 
grounds, and divides the banks on opposite sides, a bridge of 
some description, if it is only a narrow plank over a rivulet, 
is highly necessary. In pieces of artificial water that are 
irregular in outline, a narrow strait is often purposely made, 
with the view of introducing a bridge for effect. 
When the stream is large and bold, a handsome architec- 
tural bridge of stone or timber is by far the most suitable ; 
especially if the stream is near the house, or if it is crossed 
on the Approach road to the mansion ; because a character 
of permanence and solidity is requisite in such cases. But 
when it is only a winding rivulet or crystal brook, which 
meanders along beneath the shadow of tufts of clustering fo- 
liage of the pleasure-ground or park, a rustic bridge may be 
brought in with the happiest effect. Fig. 
88, is a rustic bridge erected under our 
direction. The foundation is made by 
[Fig. ss. Rustic Bridge.] laying down a few large square stones 
beneath the surface on both sides of the stream to be span- 
ned ; upon these are stretched two round posts or sleepers 
with the bark on, about eight or ten inches in diameter. The 
rustic hand-rail is framed into these two sleepers. The floor 
of the bridge is made by laying down small posts of equal 
size, about four or six inches in diameter, crosswise upon the 
sleepers, and nailing them down securely. The bark is 
allowed to remain on in every piece of wood employed in the 
construction of this little bridge ; and when the wood is cut 
at the proper season, (durable kinds being chosen,) such a 
bridge, well made, will remain in excellent order for many 
years. 
