THE FLOWER SARDEN. 93 



onter edge on the other side ; put the point in again on the 

 outer line, where the other left off, and continue to do this 

 until you have perfected the figure, as far as it can be per- 

 fected, by putting the point of the compasses into the marks 

 where the other or moving points come home. If the point 

 is now put exactly half way, and another series of circles or 

 portions similar to those already made are worked out, the 

 divisions will be more numerous, and the shapes may be more 

 diversified. But, in order to get a greater variety of forms, 

 and to get some practice, it is better, perhaps, to use the 

 single points only, and, without altering the compasses at all, 

 make a circle ; then wdth the point on the line draw a second ; 

 place the point on the line of the first circle where the second 

 crosses it, and make a third ; the point where this crosses 

 make a fourth ; and keep on until six circles round the first 

 complete a figure. By commencing another series with the 

 point half way between the points used for the six, you make 

 twelve. The whole circles being filled wdth squares already 

 ruled, you will be able to mark out beds of the most extraor- 

 dinary shapes, but perfectly uniform. These may be still 

 more diversified by drawing from the centre point one circle 

 half-way between the line of the first circle and the centre 

 point, by altering the compasses to half the width. 



A man inclined to form plans for flower gardens will derive 

 infinite amusement from the numerous forms that can be made 

 with geometrical precision by merely plajTiig with a pair of 

 compasses. When we come to reduce this to actual practice, 

 the compasses must have a double point for the paths, for 

 these must be of one uniform breadth all through the bed, 

 and in no case should the width come double. Those, how- 

 ever, who have not the double point, may produce the 

 necessary lines by opening the compasses as much as the path 

 is to occupy. 



It would be scarcely worth while to give examples, because 

 the instant any working man begins mth the compasses, he 

 will see there is no difficulty in jDroducing endless variety. 



The plans of beds to be cut on grass merely require that 

 the portions to be planted should be wider apart ; grass must 

 not be too narrow ; tlie grass must form the carpet, and the 

 beds the pattern ; taste, with the aid of ruled paper and the 

 compasses, will suggest a thousand modes to please the eye. 



Furnishing the Beds. — But when the garden is made, 



