THE LA WN. 



shadings. What appears to us as level at a little distance, 

 when we approach it may prove to be a gentle swell. 



As we walk over a natural vale, or lawn if I may be 

 allowed the term, we find a continual change in the grade 

 of the surface. If we should attempt to make level an 

 artificial lawn we could not do it. We would only succeed 

 in making stiff lines and awkward transitions of grade. 

 At the outset, therefore, long, swelling, easy lines of grade 

 should be sought. For the better effect of the boundary 

 enclosure of trees and shrubs and flowers, the lawn should 

 be made hollowing, and for the better enjoyment of those 

 walking over its surface, this hollowing should be easy and 

 closely approaching the level. 



It is evident that this theory of grading will apply 

 equally well to ground sloping down or up from the front 

 of the house, only the general slope should be not too steep 

 or the pleasure of walking on it will be diminished. I 

 shall speak of this further when I consider the treatment of 

 sloping grounds that cannot be properly termed lawns. I 

 desire to say that so important do I consider it that all 

 lawns should be in part at least more or less level that I 

 would be willing in grading to remove a large amount of 

 earth entirely, or mound it up at the front along the road or 

 at the sides, in order to secure this level lawn effect. The 

 sense of the repose, comfort, and beauty associated with the 

 idea of a lawn disappears when it grows steep. 



Let me say, however, that I do not wish to indicate that 

 the lawn should be made only in front of the house. It 

 may be even better arranged at the back of the house. All 

 considerable lawns are improved by isolating from them the 



