PRACTICAL BOOK OF GARDEN ARCHITECTURE 



impression of safety. When it is not desirable to 

 flank its borders with rustic balustrades or vine- 

 draped railings, and there is not sufficient space for 

 winding stairs bordered with protective shrubbery, 

 the object must be accomplished by some special de- 

 vice. An inexpensive form of treatment, that pos- 

 sesses a certain decorative value, consists in spread- 

 ing out the flight of stairs from top to bottom. When 

 each step extends farther to the sides than the one 

 above it, so that a pyramidal effect is formed by 

 the stair mass, the appearance of safety is much 

 greater than when the steps are all of the same 

 length up a steep flight. The arrangement of pyra- 

 midal stairs is especially appropriate for a formal 

 garden terrace. 



A distinctive effect is produced when the stairs 

 may be formed at a bend or curve in the terrace. 

 There is then a good excuse for introducing a circular 

 flight of stairs, which will add greatly to the decora- 

 tive value. When the circular steps extend well 

 around the bend, or the terrace corner, they may 

 simply end in a border of bloom, or in the sod on 

 either side. No balustrades will be required, as the 

 safety feature is satisfied in the broad formation. 

 For additional charm in ornamental finish, short 

 stone pillars, surmounted by flower vases, may be 



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