242 FLOWER GARDEN, 



Gravel walks, in this department, are formed precisely 

 in the same manner as those in the kitchen garden. It 

 may, however, be remarked, that numerous gravel walks, 

 particularly when narrow, have a puny effect. All the 

 principal lines should be broad enough to allow at least 

 three persons to walk abreast ; the others may be narrow. 

 Much of the neatness of walks depends upon the material 

 of which they are made. Gravel from an inland pit is to 

 be preferred, though occasionally very excellent varieties 

 are found upon the sea-shore. The gravel of Kensington 

 and Blackheath has attained considerable celebrity ; and 

 is frequently employed in remote parts of the kingdom, the 

 expense being lessened by its being conveyed to different 

 seaports as ballast of ships. In summer, a gravel walk 

 requires hoeing and raking from time to time, to clear it 

 from weeds and tufts of grass. After this operation, or 

 even after a simple sweeping, it is rolled down with a hand- 

 roller ; and this is repeated as often as the surface is ruffled. 

 Nothing contributes more to the elegance and convenience 

 of garden walks than frequent rolling. 



Edgings. — Walks are generally separated from the 

 borders and parterres by some kind of dense bushy plant, 

 planted closely in line. By far the best edging is afforded 

 by the Dwarf Dutch Box (Buxus sempervirens var). It 

 is extremely neat, and, when annually clipped, will remain 

 in good order for many years. It may be planted at any 

 season, except when in full growth or in midwinter. Ex- 

 cellent edgings are also formed by Sea Pink (Statice arm- 

 eria) and Double Daisy (Bellis perennis). Dwarf Gentian 

 (Gentiana acaulis), London Pride (Saxifraga umbrosa), and 

 the pretty native saxifrage, S. hypnoides, are likewise used. 

 Indeed, any low-growing herbaceous plant, susceptible of 

 minute division, is fitted for an edging. Among the great 



