The lake was deep -- at some points thirty feet -- but the rivulet seldom exceeded three, while its greatest width was about eight Its bottom and banks were pond -- if defect attributed, in point of picturesqueness, it of excessive neatness

The expanse green turf was relieved, here and there, by an occasional showy shrub, such hydrangea, or the common snowball, or the aromatic seringa; or, more frequently, by clump of geraniums blossoming gorgeously in great varieties These latter grew in pots which were carefully buried soil, so as the plants the appearance of being indigenous Besides all this, the lawn's velvet was exquisitely spotted with sheep -- considerable flock roamed vale, in company with three tamed deer, and vast number of brilliantly -- plumed ducks very large mastiff seemed in vigilant attendance upon these animals, each and all

Along the eastern and western cliffs -- where, toward the upper portion amphitheatre, the boundaries were more or less precipitous -- grew ivy in great profusion -- only here and there could even glimpse naked rock be obtained The northern precipice, in like manner, was almost entirely clothed by grape-vines of rare luxuriance; some springing soil base cliff, and others from ledges on its face

The slight elevation which formed the lower boundary little domain, was crowned by neat stone wall, of sufficient height the escape deer Nothing fence kind was observable elsewhere; for nowhere else was an artificial enclosure needed: -- any stray sheep, for example, which should attempt its way vale ravine, would find its progress arrested, after few yards' advance, precipitous ledge of rock over which tumbled the cascade that had arrested my attention as I first drew near the domain In short, the only ingress or egress was through gate occupying rocky pass road, few paces below the point at which I stopped to reconnoitre the scene

described the brook as meandering very irregularly whole course Its two general directions, as said, were first from west to east, and then from north to south turn, the stream, sweeping backward, made an almost circular loop, so as peninsula very nearly an island, and which included sixteenth of an acre peninsula stood dwelling-house -- and when house, like the infernal terrace seen by Vathek, "etait d'une architecture inconnue dans les annales de la terre," I mean, merely, that its tout ensemble struck me keenest sense of combined novelty and propriety -- in word, of poetry -- (for, than words just employed, scarcely give, of poetry abstract, more rigorous definition) -- and mean that merely outre was perceptible in any respect

nothing could well be more simple -- more utterly unpretending than this cottage Its marvellous effect lay altogether in its artistic arrangement as picture fancied, while I looked at it, that some eminent landscape-painter had built it brush

The point of view I first saw the valley, was not altogether, although nearly, the best point to survey the house therefore describe it as I afterwards saw it -- from position stone wall southern extreme amphitheatre

The main building was about twenty-four feet long and sixteen broad -- certainly not more Its total height, ground apex roof, have exceeded eighteen feet west end structure was attached one about third smaller in all its proportions: -- the line front standing back about two yards larger house, line roof, , being considerably depressed below that roof adjoining At right angles buildings, and rear main one -- not exactly middle -- extended third compartment, -- being, in general, one-third western wing The roofs two larger were very steep -- sweeping down ridge-beam with long concave curve, and extending four feet beyond the walls in front, so as the roofs of two piazzas These latter roofs, , needed no support; but had the air of needing it, slight and perfectly plain pillars were inserted corners alone The roof northern wing was merely an extension of portion main roof chief building and western wing arose very tall and rather slender square chimney of hard Dutch bricks, alternately black and red: -- slight cornice of projecting bricks top Over the gables the roofs also projected : -- main building about four feet east and two west The principal door was not exactly main division, being little east -- while the two windows were west These latter extend floor, but were much longer and narrower than usual -- they had single shutters like doors -- the panes were of lozenge form, but quite large The door itself had its upper half of glass, also in lozenge panes -- movable shutter secured it at night The door west wing was in its gable, and quite simple -- single window looked out south no external door north wing, and it also had window east

The blank wall eastern gable was relieved by stairs (with balustrade) running diagonally across it -- the ascent being south Under cover widely projecting eave these steps gave access to door leading garret, or rather loft -- for lighted only by single window north, and seemed intended as store-room

The piazzas main building and western wing had no floors, as is usual; but doors and at each window, large, flat irregular slabs of granite lay imbedded delicious turf, affording comfortable footing in all weather Excellent paths same material -- not nicely adapted, but velvety sod filling frequent intervals stones, led hither and thither house, to crystal spring about five paces off, road, or to out -- houses that lay north, beyond the brook, and were thoroughly concealed by few locusts and catalpas

Not more than six steps main door cottage stood the dead trunk of fantastic pear-tree, so clothed from head to foot gorgeous bignonia blossoms that one required no little scrutiny to determine what manner of sweet thing it From various arms tree hung cages of different kinds In one, large wicker cylinder with ring at top, revelled mocking bird; in another an oriole; in third the impudent bobolink -- while three or four more delicate prisons were loudly vocal with canaries

The pillars piazza were enwreathed in jasmine and sweet honeysuckle; while angle formed main structure and its west wing, in front, sprang grape-vine of unexampled luxuriance Scorning all restraint, it had clambered first lower roof -- then higher; and along the ridge latter it continued to writhe on, throwing out tendrils right and left, until it fairly attained the east gable, and fell trailing over the stairs

The whole house, with its wings, was constructed old-fashioned Dutch shingles -- broad, and with unrounded corners peculiarity material houses built of it the appearance of being wider at bottom than at top -- manner of Egyptian architecture; and present instance, this exceedingly picturesque effect was aided by numerous pots of gorgeous flowers that almost encompassed the base buildings

The shingles were painted dull gray; happiness this neutral tint melted vivid green tulip tree leaves that partially overshadowed the cottage, can readily be conceived by an artist