86 GRASS AND OTHER EDGINGS. [March 



edging is intended to be planted, breaking the soil fine, ana 

 keeping it to a proper height, namely, about one inch higher 

 than the side of the walk; but the taste of the operator will 

 best decide, according to the situation. Rake the surface 

 even, and tread it down with the feet, or beat it with the 

 spade. Where it gives most, continue to add, keeping the 

 surface at the desired height. If the edging is to be in a 

 direct line, either on a level or inclined plane, you may be 

 correctly and simply regulated by making the desired level 

 at each end of the line. Take three rods, about four feet 

 long each, having a piece of one foot to cross at one end, two 

 of these pieces painted black, the other white. Have a black 

 one at each end of the line on the level ; take the white one for 

 the centre, going along the line, and, about every twenty feet, 

 level a spot to the exact height, which will be seen by look- 

 ing over the top of the rods from one end. Having found 

 the level, drive in a peg to it, so that no mistake may occur ; 

 beat and level between them, leaving a smooth surface. 

 This being done, strain the line, and with the spade proceed 

 to cut out the trench perpendicularly on the side next the 

 walk, six, eight, ten, or twelve inches deep, according to the 

 length of the plants. Afterwards take the plants, and cut 

 the tops even, with the knife or shears, at the same time 

 shortening the roots. Then with the left hand next the line, 

 plant forward, keeping the tops of the plants level, and from 

 one to two inches above ground, keeping the plants close, 

 according to the required thickness. Put in the earth as you 

 proceed, and tread it firm, then rake the surface even, and 

 with the spade beat it smooth. If the weather sets in very 

 dry, the box will be the better of a few waterings. Some- 

 times boxwood is planted without roots, but it seldom gives 

 satisfaction, not growing equally. 



GRASS AND OTHER EDGINGS. 



Grass verges for walks and borders, although frequently 

 used, are by no means desirable, except where variety is re- 

 quired; they are the most laborious to keep in order, and 

 at best are inelegant, and the only object in their favour is 

 their being everywhere accessible. Iris humilis, Viola tri- 

 color, thyme, Sea Pink (Stattice Armeria), Mignonette. 



