MarchJ] GRASS AND OTHER EDGINGS. 33 



sired level at each end of the line. Take three rods about 

 four feet long each, having a piece of one foot to cross at 

 one end, two of these pieces painted black, the other white. 

 Have a black one at each end of the line on the level, take 

 the white one for the centre, going along the line, and 

 about every twenty feet, level a spot to? the exact height, 

 which will be seen by looking over the top of the rods 

 from one end. Having found the level, drive in a peg to 

 it, so that no mistake may occur ; beat and level between 

 them, leaving a smooth surface. This being done, strain 

 the line, and with the spade proceed to cut out the trench 

 perpendicularly on the side next the walk, six, eight, ten, 

 or twelve inches deep, according to the length of the plants. 

 Afterwards take the plants, and cut the tops even, with the 

 knife or shears, at the same time shortening the roots. 

 Then with the left hand next the line, plant forward, keep- 

 ing the tops of the plants level, and from one to two inches 

 above ground, keeping the plants close according to the 

 required thickness. Put in the earth as you proceed, and 

 tread it firm, then rake the surface even, and with the 

 spade beat it smooth. If the weather sets in very dry, the 

 box will be the better of a few waterings. Sometimes box- 

 wood is planted without roots, but it seldom gives satisfac- 

 tion ; not growing equally. 



GRASS AND OTHER EDGINGS. 



Grass verges for walks and borders, although frequently 

 used, are by no means desirable, except where variety is 

 required ; they are the most laborious to keep in order, and 

 at best are inelegant, and the only object in their favour is, 

 their being everywhere accessible. Iris humilis, Viola 

 tricolor, thyme, Sea Pink, (Stattice Armeria,) Mignonette, 

 Phlox subulata, and Phlox procumbens, all make tolerable 

 edgings. In the southern states, Verbena Tweediana V. 

 alba, V. intermedia and other varieties, will make the most 

 lovely edging for walks and borders that can be imagined, 

 and will bloom profusely from May till November. 



