Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/131

 Popular Science Monthly

material, and the suggestion of perma- nence as well as rustic charm is made by the utilization of the big pebbles.

In the larger cities there are count- less specimens of public as well as pri- vate construction formed of this rough- and-ready material. The parks contain splendid examples of the decorative possibilities of cobblestones. The bridge in Ganesha Park is far more in keeping with its surroundings of trees and shrubs than a more formal structure would be, and this applies to the bandstand in the same park and to the drinking fountain in Eastlake Park, Los Angeles.

In Glen dale may be foimd lamp posts of cob- bles. Great masses of rough stone surmounted by graceful electroliers make lighting standards that harmonize with the homes which surround them, and in some in- stances they are used as well for resting places at the street cor- ners, with rustic benches and drinking fountains enclosed in the massive walls. Hollywood makes use of an unusual form of corner marker, a tall cylinder of cob- bles topped by a sphere, and in this is a socket to carry flag poles for festive oc- casions. This is one of the most difficult types of cobble construction shown, though by no means the most artistic.

���Nothing gives a finer touch to a bungalow than an out- side chimney of cobblestones

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Staircases and culverts are frequently built of this material, to good advantage, while chimneys, flower boxes, supports for pillars and verandas are found to be attractive when formed of rough stones and used in conjunction with frame or brick construction.

Among the strictly util- itarian buildings made of this cheap but satisfac- tory material may be mentioned barns, gar- ages and even pumping stations, such as house the machinery for elec- trically operated irrigat- ing apparatus in Califor- nia. They are far more durable than the wood or metal so frequently used, and form an attractive detail in a well-kept coun- try home, instead of be- ing an eyesore.

Perhaps the most re- markable bit of cobble- stone construction is an exceedingly light and graceful triple arch in the town of Huntington Park. This consists of two seven-foot arches spanning the path to the house from the street, while a third arch rests upon the other two, springing lightly from the crest of each and extending over the sidewalk. This is the pride of the owner, who has surrounded his grounds with extensive walls and flower urns of the same building material, found on his own place.

����This simple but interesting barn owes most of its charm to its cobblestones

��Even churches gain a new dignity when fashioned from boulders

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