78 HOW TO PLAN THE HOME GROUNDS 



below. Generally, slopes should be made in the ratio of 

 two feet high to one foot wide, and in height they 

 should rarely be over six feet ; and where greater depth 

 is required, two slopes should be made, with a level width 

 between them of not less than four feet, and usually a 

 good deal more, for a great multiplicity of terraces is 

 especially to be avoided. 



The treatment of flights of steps leading from one ter- 

 race to another should be plain and simple, rather subor- 

 dinating the stone effect by bringing the turf well over 

 the edge of the coping, leaving only such a width of 

 stone exposed adjoining the steps as will be in keeping 

 with the general style of the balustrades and house. In 

 many places of moderate size, no exposure on the upper 

 side of the coping is advisable ; simply the effect of a 

 grass border over the inch or two of narrow coping that 

 should protect the steps themselves. The steps should 

 generally be twelve to fifteen inches wide, rising five to 

 six inches, one above the other. There should always 

 be a comparatively level space at the foot of every 

 slope or wall. Care should be also taken to provide for 

 the drainage of the backs of the walls of the terraces as 

 well as of their surface, by means of pipes built through 

 the structure at proper intervals of distance, or by the 

 insertion of a porous backing, from which pipes to carry 

 off water communicate. 



