THE FLORIST. 
271 
of the Grand Conservatory, and surrounded on two sides by rock- 
work, on the others by flower-beds and roses. Notwithstanding 
the celebrated instances just alluded to, with all the power of 
machinery at command, hydraulic embellishments have been, com¬ 
paratively speaking, but little attended to in this country; and this 
neglect of fountains has no doubt arisen from a want of knowledge 
of the principles upon which they should be constructed. Now, 
however, that the subject is beginning to be better understood, we 
may expect them soon to form an element of beauty in every gar¬ 
den ; and it is for the purpose merely of drawing attention to the 
subject that this article has been undertaken, rather than that any 
thing new or important may be elicited by it. 
“ In the construction of fountains,” writes Mr. Roe, in his use¬ 
ful little hand-book on the subject, “ we have a wide scope for 
imitation afforded by nature. Art may be called in where nature’s 
productions do not suffice for the artificial scenery of the domain. 
The taste of the garden architect will naturally first suggest design. 
He will adapt this to natural or artificial resemblances, according 
to the effect of the scenery which he may wish to enrich by this 
aqueous embellishment. Where artificial aids are required, these 
may be readily found in abundance in the imitation of nature’s 
vegetable products. In this class we have the well-known Tazza, 
the simple Oak-leaf, or the ample Raffiesia. The most common, 
however, are what may properly be called classical fountains , from * 
their connexion with mythology in the innumerable forms of heathen 
deities. These have always been the most popular designs.” 
In regard to materials for basins, &c., Carrara and other sorts 
of marbles are best. Of this there can be no question, but they are 
expensive. Stone, and artificial stone, is often employed; but these 
soon become covered with green slime, and, being softer and far 
more porous than marble, their architectural decorations become in 
time effaced. This has led to the employment of metals by some 
in the construction of fountains, and especially iron, which is cheap 
and durable, and can readily be made into any shape that is required. 
Zinc, too, has been, and may be, employed with advantage in small 
fountains, and, tastefully painted, looks well, and will last for years. 
It now remains to say something about the leading on of the 
water ; and on this head we will only add, that where natural 
reservoirs of sufficient height cannot be commanded, it may be use¬ 
ful to know, that by means of Legg’s hydraulic engine, or the 
hydraulic ram, as improved by Roe, water, where a very little fall 
only can be obtained, may be raised to almost any height that is 
required. 
In regard to the positions which fountains should occupy, a 
clever writer on landscape-gardening says, “ Fountains of a highly 
artificial character are happily situated only when they are placed 
in the neighbourhood of buildings and architectural forms. When 
only a single fountain can be maintained in a residence, the centre 
of the flower-garden, or the neighbourhood of the piazza or terrace- 
walk, is, we think, much the most appropriate situation for it, where 
