58 GRAVEL WALKS. \_March. 



and if not always neat and clean, they are a disagreeable 

 object in a garden ; but when they are well dressed, their 

 effect is very enlivening. Where they are desired, pre- 

 pare the ground as above directed ; making the walk a 

 little higher than the adjoining borders, to prevent the earth 

 from being washed on it by the rain. Allowing the walks 

 to be six feet wide, make the centre five inches higher than 

 the sides, or about seven-eighths of an inch to the foot 

 whatever the breadth may be, which will form a gentle de- 

 clivity to throw off the rain. When laid, beat and roll it 

 well ; cutting the edge neat and even. Water frequently 

 if the weather sets in dry. To keep grass walks or plats 

 in order, they should be mown once every three or four 

 weeks from May to September, and the grass each time 

 swept clean off. When the grass is allowed to get long 

 before being cut, the roots become tender; and die when 

 exposed to the sun ; at last the grass is all in spots, and in 

 another year requires to be relaid. 



GRAVEL WALKS. 



A practice once existed of turning these into heaps, or 

 ridges during winter, to destroy weeds, &c. But this has 

 almost been given up as unnecessary, unsightly, inconve- 

 nient, and not doing any material service. 



Where the surface of these has become foul, irregular, 

 or mossy, they had better be turned over four or five inches 

 deep where the gravel will admit of it ; but if not, hoe and 

 rake them perfectly clean, give a new coat of gravel, and 

 pick up any stones that you think too large ; then give 

 them a good rolling, applying it frequently after showers 

 of rain. When they are well attended to just now, they 

 will look well all the season ; but if neglected, they take 

 more labour, and are never in such good condition. 



Fancy-edgings of Thyme, Thrift, Gentiana, Lavender, 

 and Violets (Daisies may be used if the situation is 

 shaded.) The whole of these may be planted by the line 

 with the dibber except Thyme, which lay as directed for 

 Box. See this month, under that head. Any time in this 

 or beginning of next month will answer to make edgings 

 of these ; and if dry weather occurs before they begin to 



