"Fig. 2 (frontispiece) is constructed much in the same manner, only the supports in front are set upon a stone plinth to insure their durability. The seat and covering of the back and sides are covered with rods, laid in what is called the herring-bone fashion, as seen in the sketch. The roof is in two parts, the top part being thatched with reeds, and the lower part, after being boarded over, is covered with rods, so as to give that portion the appearance of a corrugated roof. The floors of both should be pitched with different colored pebbles set in concrete or cement, and disposed in a tessellated manner".

In almost all sections of our country excellent material for rustic work is easily procured, though we may not be able to find the hazel rods recommended. Our cedars, oaks, and wild grape vine, seem especially designed for this work.

Fig. 3 represents a very pretty and simple form of rustic seat that any person with a little time and skill can make.

In grounds of small extent, bridges can very seldom be introduced ; yet we have seen gardens of only a few acres, crossed by a brook, where a rustic bridge would have been the most appropriate and consequently the most beautiful ornament that could be introduced. Nothing associates better with garden scenery than rustic bridges. Mr. Loudon remarks, in Villa Architecture, "that bridges are among the noblest structures which can be erected in pleasure grounds; and, unlike rustic seats and root-houses, they maintain this character even when constructed of materials of temporary duration, from their obvious and unquestionable utility. A mere plank or tree, when thrown across a stream, assumes a character of grandeur. It commands respect, from its powers of effecting for man what he could not by any possibility effect for himself".

Fig. 4 is a very pretty bridge when neatly executed. The bearers show a slight curvature. The footway is covered with poles, laid across. The supports beneath are let into the abutments, which are covered with rough stones and wild plants ; and although they are securely enough fastened to the bearers above, still they have the appearance of only being tied to them by a grape vine. The same occurs in the hand-rail. The bent pieces which fill the panels should each be in one piece if possible.

Abutments to bridges, as shown in our figure, are not only of great importance to the structure itself, but they show stability and an appearance of safety. When exposed to view, they are also quite in keeping with this style ; because it forms, as it were, the connecting link between the architectural and picturesque.

Fig. 5. - Here the abutments are of timber, and so selected as to have an arm or bracket proceeding from them for the support of the footway. These arms will look best if of the natural growth of the tree; otherwise they must be attached in the most natural manner possible. The outer sides of the outside battens in this bridge, as well as the whole of the hand-rail, should be covered with Polytrichium commune, twisted in form of ropes, and neatly wound round the respective parts, and nailed on the face of the battens. The top and principal rails of the hand-rail should have ropes of greater thickness than the diagonal or smaller parts. The supports underneath may be left with their natural bark attached to them.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.

We have previously observed that very pretty garden seats are made in iron, mostly of cast-iron. We continue our extracts from the Book of the Garden, giving two wrought-iron seats, one of which answers the double purpose of a seat and a protection to the tree; also a wire tree-protector, an article much needed for street trees, or where the lawn is grazed :

"Metallic chairs are certainly, if we except marble or granite, the most durable; and the only objection urged against them is oxidation, which is apt to spoil ladies' dresses. This, however, can easily be got rid of, by painting them annually with anti-corrosion paint.

"Fig. 6 is a wrought-iron chair, greatly admired for its elegant appearance and the comfort and ease of its seat. It is less liable to be broken; and being lighter than cast-iron chairs of the same size, it is much more easily moved from place to place. Fig. 7 is also of wrought-iron, and adapted to be fixed under the shade of a tree, as shown in our cut It may be divided into four compartments or not, according to fancy.

"Tree-protectors are used where rabbits or hares abound, and also for protecting single trees from injury by cattle, and are of various forms, and of different material. Those made of small iron rods, or strong wire, are not only the neatest, but the most durable, and by a simple contrivance may be joined by hooks and eyes; so that they may be removed from one tree to another without being taken to pieces. Fig. 8 represents one form of these." We shall give another chapter or two from this work next month. We do this because it contains much valuable information; and as the work itself is v costly, but few copies will probably reach this country.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 7.

Fig. 8.