The Pond is of an irregular shape, so arranged as with the assistance of the island to prevent the whole of it, and consequently its limited extent, from being seen from any one point in the garden. For the same reason, the walk only goes along one side, there being but one point on the western side, viz. where the iron seats are close to the agaves, from which any part of the pond can be seen. The pond is so situated as to form the main feature in the right-hand view from the drawingroom window, as shown in fig. 156. in p. 636.; the wooded island (which is shown rather too much in the middle in the plan, though, perhaps, not so in reality) disguising the boundary from that and every other point of view. The bank of the pond on one side is rocky, and nearly perpendicular; while on the other it is sloping, and partly covered with shrubs. At k in fig. 165. in p. 657., there is a boat-house, on the top of which are several large agaves, the common, the variegated, and Agave plicatilis; the tubs containing which are so disguised by rock work, as to create an allusion to the appearance of these plants in their native habitats. The appearance of these agaves, and also of a large crassula, is indicated in a view of the boat-house, fig. 173. in p. 667.; and it is only from a seat among these agaves that any part of the pond can be seen from this side of it. Had a walk been conducted completely round the pond, and near its margin, the charm of partial concealment would have been entirely lost. The high banks have been formed with earth taken out of the pond, and these have given occasion to a considerable variety in the inclination, as well as in the direction, of the walks. The banks are planted on the same principle as the open lawn; that is, with trees and shrubs having striking foliage or showy flowers, and with a judicious mixture of evergreens to give the effect of cheerfulness in winter. In the water are two large plants of Calla ï¾µthiopica Lin., which cover a space of nearly 5 ft. in diameter; they have lived there through ten winters without any protection, the water being 5 ft. deep; and they flower luxuriantly every year. The views across the water, to the house and to the other parts of the grounds, are singularly varied, owing to the winding direction of the walk, and the consequently changing position of the island, and of the trees in the foreground and middle distance. One of these views may be seen in fig. 175. and others have been already given in p. 636. 651. 653. 667.
