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page 19
be found to have been not useless in shaping by its deposits
of gravel and soil in time of flood, a curve that would not
otherwise have existed. But the more powerful brooks,
encroaching upon the level of the lake, have, in course of
time, given birth to ample promontories of sweeping outline
that contrasts boldly with the longitudinal base of the
steeps on the opposite shore; while their flat or
gently-sloping surfaces never fail to introduce, into the
midst of desolation and barrenness, the elements of
fertility, even where the habitations of men may not have
been raised. These alluvial promontories, however, threaten,
in some places, to bisect the waters which they have long
adorned; and, in course of ages, they will cause some of the
lakes to dwindle into numerous and insignificant pools;
which, in their turn, will finally be filled up. But,
checking these intrusive calculations, let us rather be
content with appearances as they are, and pursue in
imagination the meandering shores, whether rugged steeps,
admitting of no cultivation, descend into the water; or
gently-sloping lawns and woods, or flat and fertile meadows
stretch between the margin of the lake and the mountains.
Among minuter recommendations will be noticed, especially
along bays exposed to the setting-in of strong-winds, the
curved rim of fine blue gravel, thrown up in course of time
by the waves, half of it perhaps gleaming from under the
water, and the corresponding half of the lighter
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