ON THE FORMATION AND KEEPING OF GARDEN \\ \| l 



In England, as a rule, the making and maintenance of 

 garden walks is much better understood and carried out 

 than is the case on the Continent, especially in France , Bel- 

 gium and Germany, with some very few exceptions. A more 

 or less even beaten surface, with a thin layer of gravel, some- 

 times river gravel , but frequently dirty pit-gravel , suffices 

 in these countries to form rough paths , on which walking 

 is both laborious and unpleasant. 



Doubtless, it is difficult to make firm, even walks every- 

 where , on account of the expense where there are long 

 distances to be traversed. But more care should be devoted 

 to the attainment of this desirable object in the flower 

 garden, and in the vicinity of the dwelling house. To this 

 end we furnish the following instructions. 



In England, according to the locality or the fancy of the 

 proprietor or gardener, the walks are covered with a layer 

 of sand or asphalte, or some particular composition. In 

 almost all cases great care is exercised in the preparation of 

 a proper foundation, termed pitching. On a well levelled or 

 rammed surface, according a-, it may be a path-way or 

 broad walk, a paving of flat stones or bricks is laid, either 

 edgewise or flat, as close together as possible, though even 

 then they are sufficiently distant to admit of easy drainage. 

 Upon this foundation, which ranges from four inches to a 

 foot in thickness , according to the requirements in regard to 

 solidity, a layer of flints is put, and crushed and rolled down 

 as firmly as possible. Over this, a thin layer of fine Jersey 

 gravel is spread , varying in colour from pale yellow to red. 

 The walk is then subjected to another thorough rolling , and 

 when finished forms a comfortable and clean promenade in 

 all seasons, far pleasanter than the harsh, loose gravel 

 usually employed in Paris, which slips from under the feet. 

 Yet more carefully prepared are some of the foot-ways 

 around English houses , and especially the courts and paths 

 in the front gardens in London leading from the street to 

 the house. It does not come within our province to describe 

 the process of asphalting, as it is a special calling in all 

 the chief towns. But for garden purposes the proportion of 

 sand is larger. 



The third method, varying a little in the composition and 

 proportions of the materials used, is less generally known. 

 It consists usually of a mixture of coarse sand and brees 

 or fine coal and cinders, and quick lime, which is slaked 



inches thick, is 

 ground of the 



the eye. It : 



whence it is obta 

 of Italy and the 

 clown the blueisl 

 system, or a line 



slipping under th 

 width of the patl 

 each side, varyin 

 the ground. 

 The watercoun 





tonally applicable : 



especially for the French 

 iy parts of England. 



W. B. H. 



The edging, which we have supposed to be Box, may 

 be formed of turf, flowers, ivy or anything else, as 

 ornamental wood-work, ca^t-iron or tiles. We can vouch 



this maimer. They may he rather expensive at tirst. But the 

 cost will vary according to the material u-ed and the price 

 of labour; and it is soon repaid, as they require nothing 

 done to them beyond an occasional sweeping. Besides, they 

 may be restricted to the (lower garden and the immediate 

 neigbourhood of the dwelling. 



We have said nothing of the more sumptuous and costly 

 walks paved with encaustic tiles etc.. believing it of more 

 general service to point out a moderately cheap and cliicimt 

 mode of procedure. 



