316 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
of lakes and ponds. In some places where easy, beautifu/ 
slopes and undulations of ground border the streams, 
gravel, soft turf, and a few simple groups of trees, will be 
the most natural accompaniments ; in others where the 
borders of the stream are broken into rougher, more 
rocky, and precipitous ridges, all the rich wildness and 
intricacy of low shrubs, ferns, creeping and climbing 
plants, may be brought in to advantage. Where the 
extent to be thus improved is considerable, the trouble 
may be lessened by planting the larger growth, and sowing 
the seeds of the smaller plants mingled together. Prepare 
the materials, and time and nature, with but little occa- 
sional assistance, will mature, and soften, and blend 
together the whole, in their own matchless and inimitable 
manner. 
From all that we have suggested in these limited 
remarks, it will be seen that we would only attempt in our 
operations with water, the graceful or picturesque imitations 
of natural lakes or ponds, and brooks, rivulets, and streams. 
Such are the only forms in which this unrivalled element 
can be displayed so as to harmonize agreeably with natural 
and picturesque scenery. In the latter, there can be no 
apology made for the introduction of straight canals, 
round or oblong pieces of water, and all the regular forms 
of the geometric mode ; because they would evidently be 
in violent opposition to the whole character and expres- 
sion of natural landscape. In architectural, or flower 
gardens (on which we shall hereafter have occasion to 
offer some remarks), where a different and highly artificial 
arrangement prevails, all these regular forms, with various 
jets, fountains, etc., may be employed with good taste, 
and wil 1 combine well with the other accessories of such 
