EMBELLISHMENTS. 
399 
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 pur- 
posely made, with the view of introducing a bridge for 
effect. 
When the stream is large and bold, a handsome archi- 
tectural 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 
foliage of the pleasure-ground or park, a rustic bridge may 
& be brought in with the happiest effect. 
Fig. 83 is a rustic bridge erected under 
| our direction. The foundation is made 
[Fig. £8.j by laying down a few large square 
stones beneath the surface on both sides of the stream to 
be spanned ; 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 diame- 
ter, 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. 
Rockwork is another kind of decoration sometimes intro* 
