ATTRACTIVE GARDEN STAIRWAYS 



rustic stairs, whether built rather steeply up a sharp 

 incline, or by easy grades around a curving terrace, 

 the height of the risers must be in correct propor- 

 tion to the breadth of the tread. When the treads 

 are formed of wood or flagstone, the width or breadth 

 may be slightly increased by using a nosing of about 

 an inch to project over the step immediately below. 

 When built of logs, stone, or concrete, with risers and 

 treads of the same material, the advantages of nosing 

 will be lost, and the grades should therefore be less 

 steep and the treads broader. 



Where the space is limited and the grade rather 

 steep, a bend in the stairs may be made to provide 

 easy climbing and better pictorial effect. The bend 

 must not be too sharp and sudden, but made to give 

 a changing view-point, and a resting place in the 

 centre of the stairs. It must be kept in mind that a 

 limited space for terrace and stair building does not 

 always necessitate a cramped stairway. This is one 

 instance when the sense of proportion and fitness in 

 garden-building demands special treatment. When 

 space is limited, first try to hide its cramped outlines 

 by architectural devices in building screened retreats 

 and shrubbery banking. Then instead of a cramped, 

 mean stairway, that would immediately give the im- 

 pression of lack of space, have the flight of steps 

 built on broad lines, of ample proportion and easy 



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