APRIL] FLOWER GARDEN. 313 



as is sufficient to carry off the wet to each side. The proportion to 

 be observed is, a walk of four feet wide should be one inch and a 

 half higher in the middle than at the sides, and for every foot after 

 that such increases in width, add to this a quarter of an inch for the 

 centre elevation. Rounding the walk too much would make it very 

 uneasy to walk on, and of an unpleasing appearance. Never lay 

 more in one day than you can finish off and roll effectually. 



Gravel walks should now, if not done in March, be broken up and 

 turned ; for such turnings will not only destroy weeds and moss, but 

 will render them much more agreeable to walk on ; besides, the fresh 

 and lively surface will be sightly and pleasing. 



Before you begin to turn the gravel, the edges of the walks, if of 

 grass, should be first neatly dressed with an edging iron, such as de- 

 scribed on page 90 ; or, if planted with box, they ought to be hand- 

 somely trimmed with garden shears; any borders near the walks 

 should be neatly dug, and the surface raked smooth; for when the 

 edges and borders are put in proper order they add much to the 

 general neatness. Proceed then to dig the walk five or six inches 

 deep, or whatever depth the fine gravel will admit of, turning the 

 surface clean to the bottom, and the fresh gravel below to the top, 

 rounding and dressing the walk neatly after you, and rolling the 

 whole effectually when done. 



In turning or laying down gravel walks, always choose dry wea- 

 ther, and let the work be done in the most complete order, as these 

 contribute very materially to the beauty of the whole garden. 



Roll the walks once a week regularly after being either turned or 

 new laid ; such will render them firm and neat, and also greatly pre- 

 vent the growth of weeds. It is a general rule among neat garden- 

 ers, who are allowed sufficient help, to roll and sweep the gravel 

 walks every Saturday. During the summer it is of much advantage 

 to give a good rolling after rain, which will preserve a compact 

 smooth surface. 



GRASS- WALKS AND LAWNS. 



Grass- walks and lawns may yet be laid in the middle and eastern 

 States, if done in the beginning of this month; but if delayed till 

 the weather becomes dry, it will scorch the turf and render the sur- 

 face disagreeable. For the method of laying and making them, see 

 page 317. 



The grass-walks and lawns should be well rolled in the early part 

 of the month ; and afterwards, as the grass advances in growth, it 

 should be mowed as often as the scythe can lay hold of it, for this 

 is a season in which most people delight to walk out; consequently 

 the walks ought to be kept in good order. Besides, were this neg- 

 lected in spring, the grass would become coarse and rank, and be 

 some time before it could be restored to its proper texture. 



Always mow this short grass when wet either by dew or rain, other- 

 wise it will be impossible to cut it close or even. (For the general 

 care of grass- walks and laws, see page 89.) 



The edges of all your lawns and grass-walks should now be neatly 



