THE OPENING YEAR 



kept at the top as a " binding " material. The clinkers Jan. 

 and ash are rammed, levelled, and rolled. Thirdly, 10-31 

 there comes a 3-inch layer of flints, which are also 

 rammed and rolled, so that they are well bedded into 

 the ash. Lastly, there is a 2-inch coating of gravel, 

 which is neatly levelled and rolled. A drive made up 

 like this will stand all the strain which is likely to come 

 upon it, and it will last. It will not be naturally weedy, 

 and what weed shows (there is sure to be some) can be 

 easily overcome by a watering with weed-killer in spring, 

 the effects of which will last throughout the summer. 

 Walks that really are walks — i.e. that are only subject 

 to the wear of foot traffic — can be made somewhat 

 cheaper by allowing an inch less of each layer. 



Drives and walks alike should be made with a suit- 

 able "camber," i.e. a slight fall from centre to outsides, 

 so that water may run off freely. And there should be 

 a grated drain at every few feet to carry the rain down. 

 With a chalky or sandy subsoil, the water will find its 

 own way out quickly ; but if the soil is clay, it is wise 

 to lay horizontal drain pipes in the bed of the walk to 

 carry off the water. 



It is not everybody who has to make walks and 

 drives on chalk ; but I need only say that if I were 

 situated other than I am, I should still try and find 

 something firm to build my walk on. If the subsoil 

 were naturally loose, I should have it well rammed before 

 putting in the ballast. 



Flowers 



Roses. — Those beautiful Roses, Bridesmaid, Catherine 



Mermet, Ulrich Brunner, Captain Hayward, Mrs. John 



Laing, and Niphetos will flower delightfully in the 



warm conservatory in spring if plants are potted now. 



45 



