HOME GROUNDS 125 



direction. To determine the location of the curved 

 walk, one should think of the lot as being graded 

 and covered with a turf, but without any definite 

 walk. The path that one would then naturally 

 follow in going from office to entrance door would 

 usually indicate the proper location for the perma- 

 nent walk. This location, which would ordinarily 

 be a graceful curve without reverses, might be 

 modified to avoid a tree or cutting into the lawn 

 in a disagreeable way. If the surface of the lot is 

 varied, if there are hills, valleys, or ravines, the 

 walk may wind back and forth to a limited extent 

 to secure an easy grade, but a serpentine line should 

 be used as little as possible. The most satisfactory 

 curve is one in which the rate of curvature con- 

 tinually changes in one direction, that is, from a 

 gentle curve to one more pronounced, or the reverse, 

 instead of being uniform as in a circle. 



The grade of a walk should be easy, preferably 

 not more than one-half inch rise in one foot, al- 

 though it is better to have a rise of one inch in a foot 

 than to provide steps. The use of steps may lead 

 to an uncomfortable jolt, or even a dangerous fall 

 at night unless they are well lighted. Sometimes, 

 however, steps are necessary, and then the rule of 



