LITTLE GARDENS 



In which we observe a gross and ridiculous dis- 

 parity of material and appearance, or of func- 

 tion and effect. I would not, for example, sus- 

 pend a gypsy kettle from three sticks and plant 

 heliotrope therein, making believe to boil this 

 herb over a slow fire which causes the blossoms 

 to emerge, in place of smoke. It is quite permis- 

 sible to string a hammock in the angle of the 

 wall. Your naps and contortions will not be 

 exhibited to the neighbors. 



The arms of the Maltese cross, to which you 

 will trace some likeness in the plan, are lawns, 

 and these should be leveled by persistent rolling 

 and kept as green, fresh and unmixed with any- 

 thing other than grass and clover as sound seed, 

 fresh water and a diligent war on weeds can 

 make them. Every weed removed gives so much 

 the more space for grass, and in time a carpet is 

 formed into which Interloping thistles, dande- 

 lions and ragweed find it Increasingly hard to 

 penetrate. For association's sake I would edge 

 the gravel walks that intersect the ground with 

 box, and keep it in borders not over twenty Inches 

 high, always neatly trimmed, and green all 

 through the year. At the points of the lawns 

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