ITS TOPOGRAPHY. 31
partly submerging the curious structure called
the "Fortification." Previous to this alteration
the straight cut canal-like branch of the lake,
pointing east and west, gave a watery termina-
tion to the broad and formal vista from Wanstead
House. From a plan, dated 1735, in the posses-
sion of the Trustees to the Earls of Mornington,
and prepared by a French landscape-gardener
named Roche, who seems to have derived his
inspiration from the gardens of Versailles, it appears
that several other rectangular sheets of water of a
similar character were designed, some of which
could never have been completed.
From the grotto the path follows the verge of
the lake [near the north end of the lake a path on
the left leads to the high road to Snaresbrook
Station] and, circling round its northern end,
returns by the opposite side, passing the Lincoln
Island, upon which is the heronry. Formerly the
herons preferred the island in the upper pond, to
which they gave its name, but many years ago
they migrated to Lincoln Island, and have ever
since built their nests in comparative seclusion on
the tops of its highest trees. It is much to be
hoped that the crowds who now assist at the
spectacle will not give them notice to quit. To
ensure the necessary seclusion the path on the
north side of the lake is sometimes closed in May
and June. To complete the circuit of the lake is
a walk of rather more than a mile. To reach
Manor Park or Forest Gate Stations, follow the
southern boundary of the Park as far as the new
road, which, as I write, is not yet commenced, but
which, it is hoped, will soon be completed; this
leads to Wanstead Flats, on the opposite side of