Fig. 288.—Rustic Bridge.
Fig. 289.—A Bridge Of Rocks.
No feature adds more to the appearance of ornamental grounds than tasteful bridges. A stream or narrow channel connecting two parts of a small sheet of water, affords an opportunity for the introduction of a bridge. In the absence of such features a bridge may be thrown across a dry ravine. Whatever style may be adopted, should harmonize with the general character of the surroundings. An elaborate bridge of wood or masonry would be as much out of place on grounds unadorned by other structures, as a rude rustic one would be near highly finished summer-houses and other architectural features. On most grounds a neat rustic bridge, something like the one shown in [figure 288], would be in good keeping with its environments. Such bridges may be made of red cedar logs and branches, resting upon stone abutments. Where boulders are abundant, a stone bridge, something like [figure 289], may be built at very little cost, and will last for generations. The pleasing effect of rustic or other ornamental bridges is enhanced by training Virginia creeper or other climbing plants upon them.
ROAD CULVERTS.
Fig. 290.—Culvert With Plank Floor.
Fig. 291.—Stone Culvert.
A culvert under a road is, in effect, a short bridge. The simplest form of plank culvert, resting upon stone abutments, is shown in [figure 290]. Such a structure is cheaply built, and serves a good purpose while the wood-work remains sound. But the planks wear out and the timbers decay, requiring frequent renewing. Where stone is abundant it is much cheaper in the end to build wholly of stone, as in [figure 291]. After the abutments are built, a course of flat stone, along each side, projects inward from six to ten inches, as at a, a, which are covered with a broad stone, b. Where the stream to be crossed is so narrow that a row of single stones is sufficient to cover the opening, a culvert like that seen in [figure 292] is cheaply made. Such structures will remain serviceable for a generation, if the foundations are not undermined by the action of the water.