148 GARDEN PLANNING 



of less gradient. In all such problems the main 

 point is not to outrage Nature, but rather to 

 coax her in the direction in which we wish 

 her to go, covering up our footsteps as we 

 proceed in the work, so that the final result 

 shall not disclose too obviously what it owes 

 to spade work. 



As steps are necessary adjuncts in sloping 

 gardens, I may give some further suggestions 

 for making them. 



An alternative plan to the one already de- 

 scribed is that shown in the third figure in the 

 illustration (Fig. 38), in which the treads are 

 made of stout boards supported on pegs driven 

 Into the ground. Yet another plan is to attach 

 the treads to cheeks of wood, making a single 

 complete structure, as in the fourth figure. 



When the path passes through rockwork 

 I always build the steps of rock pieces. 



Bricks may be employed for steps, either 

 set in mortar or laid loose, as in the first figure. 

 They are better laid on edge, and it is well 

 to chip off the angle where the tread and riser 

 meet, or to use bull-nosed bricks. 



Slabs of stone make good steps, and by their 

 weight keep in place if well bedded, without 



