1896.] ESSAYS. 45 



While we are well uware that a straight line gives the shortest dis- 

 tance between two points, we should not recommend fc^llowing that 

 rule in laying out our drives and foot-walks. 



If the buildings are on ([uite an elevation above the road level the 

 location of the driveway should be governed by the grade to be over- 

 come, even if a much greater distance has to be covered between the 

 two points. This l)rings into use a gracefully curved approach, 

 which, as part of the plan of landscape architecture, is quite an im- 

 l)ortant feature. The foot-paths, wherever constructed, will be gov- 

 erned largely by the same rule. 



The method of road ])uil(ling to be adopted will be governed by con- 

 ditions that will vary in different localities and on different soils. Jn 

 our loamy or claj^ey soils we have found it possible to obtain very 

 satisfactory drives and walks by removing the soil to a depth of 

 twelve or fifteen inches, taking pains to leave the road-bed higher in 

 the centre, so as to afford good drainage. We then .commence filling 

 with coarse stones at the bottom, then a layer of smaller ones, topping 

 off with coarse gravel, with a light dressing of clay over this to aid in 

 securing a compact surface when completed. There is something 

 gained in this road building besides the securing of a permanent 

 driveway that will be free from mud at all seasons. 



The loam removed, if not wanted on the lawn, can be piled in some 

 convenient place until wanted for various uses, and the excavation of 

 the road-bed furnishes a convenient receptacle for stone, which on 

 many a farm is a continual object of removal from field or garden. 



The Lawn. 



Having constructed our drives and Avalks, our next work is to grade 

 the remaining grounds properly, using the best soil freely for the upper 

 portion to insure a good growth of grass of a permanent character. 

 After seeding and raking smoothly, a heavy roller should be used to 

 complete the work, so as to leave the ground in a perfect condition for 

 the lawn-mower in after years. A well kept lawn is of itself as at- 

 tractive and gratifying to the owner of a home as any single feature 

 that can be named. 



Where and What to Plant. 



We are now approaching a subject that is very difficult to treat upon. 

 No two places are governed by the same conditions or possess the 

 same surroundings. The home that we are considering as susceptible 

 to improvement ma}^ he partially or abundantly supplied with shade or 



