42 THE BOOK OF GARDEN FURNITURE 



there will be considerably less width than when there is 

 only the bare framework. Besides, we want our shaded 

 walk to be free and airy, and not a mere tunnel of 

 greenery, obstructing the light and making it difficult 

 for more than one person to pass through at a time. 

 Stout wooden cross-pieces should connect each pair of 

 posts ; if the latter are allowed to project a foot either 

 way, they will break the straight line which would other- 

 wise mar the appearance of the pergola when viewed from 

 the end. After securing the cross-pieces, connect the tops 

 of the pillars in the lines with similar woodwork : this 

 being done, the strong outer frame is complete. The 

 wood for cross-beams may consist of slender oak branches ; 

 if stout, they should be split in two. Where sawn and 

 carpentered work is preferred, four-inch quartering may 

 be substituted. In this case, the lattice should also be in 

 keeping, but where untrimmed oak is employed, thin larch 

 poles would answer well. 



Some builders prefer not to fill in the lattice until the 

 creepers have become established and need the extra 

 support, arguing that the additional woodwork is unsightly 

 until there is some relief afforded. This is certainly 

 true, but against it must be weighed the possible damage 

 to tender shoots, which any but a very careful workman 

 would be likely to cause when nailing on the lattice. If 

 well designed, the pergola need not be in the least an eye- 

 sore, especially if it is not placed in an unduly prominent 

 position. The number of cross poles, fixed to the top 

 and sides, can be varied according to the style of plants it 

 is determined to employ as a covering, but it is a mistake 

 to crowd on any more wood than is absolutely necessary. 

 As I have said, light as well as shade is desirable, and 

 occasional gleams of sunshine filtering through the 

 branches always add to the beauty and charm of our 

 rustic pergola. Where rough stone for the pillars is not 

 o btainable, stout oak posts, with the bark attached, would 



