CHAPTER IV 



HEATHY PATHS IN OUTER GARDEN SPACES 



THE subject of heathy paths comes within the scope 

 of this book. We are not thinking of grass or gravel 

 paths, but those in pleasure-grounds that are beyond 

 the province of the trimly-kept garden, and yet have 

 to be somewhat tamed from the mere narrow track 

 such as serves for the gamekeeper on his rounds. 

 Paths of this kind admit of varied treatment. The 

 nature of the place and the requirements of those 

 who use the paths will determine their general nature,' 

 and settle whether they are to be of turf or of some- 

 thing that must be dry in all weathers. But grass 

 and gravel are not the only alternatives. One kind 

 of path not often seen, but always pleasant, and at 

 one time of year distinctly beautiful, can be made of 

 the Common Heather (Calluna vulgaris). We know 

 of such a path, 12 feet wide and some hundreds of 

 feet long, carpeted with this native Heath, mown 

 once a year, and feeling like a thick pile carpet to 

 the feet ; grey-green in summer, bronze-coloured in 

 late autumn, and in the second and third weeks of 

 August thickly set with short sprays of the low-toned 

 pink of the Heather bloom. It is not so dry as a 



gravel path, but a good deal drier than grass, and 



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