When appropriately introduced, the effect of water in pleasure ground scenery is always pleasing, ana frequently, strikingly beautiful. The first requisite is, of course, an ample supply of water; there cannot well be a more unsatisfactory feature in a pleasure ground than a lake or pond when the supply of water is not sufficient to keep it properly filled. The best and most constant supply is that afforded by a running stream, and in this case the lake will appear more natural if a dam is thrown at the lowest point so that the sheet of water will appear as a simple widening of the stream. Most beautiful irregularities of outline will generally be produced by this mode of treatment. Simple basins of water in flower gardens, or pleasure grounds, can scarcely be out of character in any situation; with such, no attempt should be made to aim at a rugged or what is generally called a natural looking outline. The attempt so frequently insisted upon in all rural accompaniments to make them "natural looking" is a perversion of, instead of being in accordance with, good taste.

With equal propriety might it be argued that the best model for the front of a dwelling, would be a rocky precipice, and the front door like the entrance to a cave.

Where natural facilities for a good supply of water do not exist, artificial lakes had better not be attempted. The casual supply derived from winter rains is not sufficient to meet the evaporation of summer, and ponds or lakes which are dependent for a supply of water from this source, do not only present a miserably deficient appearance, but are injurious to health.

GIGANTIC GRAPE VINE AT WEST HILL, BURLINGTON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.