132 JOTTINGS OF A GENTLEMAN GARDENER 



take a lot of bricks, but the first is the best. Take out a 

 trench some 6-7 ins. deep, put in half a brick at one end, 

 and then lay the other bricks on end at an angle. A 

 little mortar may be used, but it is not really necessary. 

 Finish up with a wedge, made by breaking a brick in two 

 and then knocking off one of the corners. The second 

 method is this : Take out a trench about 7 ins. deep, with 

 a level bottom. Put a little mortar in, and lay a layer of 

 bricks on their sides, if laid the usual way the edging is too 

 massive. Above this put two more rows on their sides, 

 beginning the second row with half a brick, and using 

 mortar. The third row should be the same as the first 

 row, beginning with a whole brick. Hard burnt bricks 

 are essential for the purpose, softer ones are easily ruined 

 by frost and weather. If the actual width of the bricks 

 used is greater than 2| ins., the trench must be made a 

 little deeper. The bricks should be sunk so that they 

 protrude 2 ins. above the level of the path. 



The Care of Paths : Paths must be maintained in a 

 good condition. Flagged paths, asphalt, tar, concrete, 

 and cement paths need nothing beyond an occasional 

 sweeping. But grass, gravel, and ash paths require 

 timely care each season. Grass paths should be well 

 rolled, and mown at least once a week throughout the 

 summer. They should be hand weeded, and the verges 

 kept clipped. Gravel paths should be well raked over 

 after much wheeling of the barrow on them. They should 

 then be well rolled, and not brushed more than is necessary. 

 Ash paths should have any loose ash drawn into place 

 with the back of the rake, and then be lightly sprayed 

 with water, and well rolled. 



Roll new gravel and ash paths at least once a week, 

 after raking the surface. Keep them clean from weeds 

 and from soil by well scraping the boots. 



