310 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
which will much enliven the scene by their fine plumage. 
Among these the swan is pre-eminent, for its beauty and 
gracefulness. Abroad, they are the almost conslant 
accompaniments of water in the ground of country 
residences ; and it cannot be denied that, floating about in 
the limpid wave, with their snow-white plumage and 
superbly curved necks, they are extremely elegant objects. 
After having arranged the banks, reared up the islands, 
and completely formed the bed of the proposed lake, the 
improver will next proceed, at the proper period, to finish 
his labors by clothing the newly formed ground, in various 
parts, with vegetation. This may be done immediately, if 
it be desirable ; or if the season be not favorable, it may be 
deferred until the banks, and all the newly formed earth, 
have had time to settle and assume their final forms, after 
the dam has been closed, and the whole basin filled to its 
intended height. 
Planting the margins of pieces of water, if they should 
be of much extent, must evidently proceed upon the same 
leading principle that we have already laid down for 
ornamental plantations in other situations. That is, there 
must be trees of different heights and sizes, and underwood 
and shrubs of lower growth, disposed sometimes singly, at 
others in masses, groups, and thickets : in all of which 
forms, connexion must be preserved, and the whole must be 
made to blend well together, while the different sizes and 
contours will prevent any sameness and confusion. On 
the retreating dry banks, the taller and more sturdy 
deciduous and evergreen trees, as the oak, ash, etc., may 
be planted, and nearer by, the different willows, the elm, 
the alder, and other trees that love a moister situation, will 
thrive well. It is indispensably necessary, in order to 
