VIOLET WALKS 235 



period of bloom will result. In April the frame may 

 be removed, the plants yielding the later part of the crop 

 without protection. Violets belong with the "cool" plants 

 of florists. When well hardened off, considerable frost does 

 not harm them. They should always be kept stocky. Start a 

 new lot from runner-plants each year. They thrive in a 

 temperature of 55 to 65. 



Walks. The place for a Walk is where it is 

 needed. It should go directly between two points. It need 

 not be straight, but if it is curved, the curve should be 

 direct. That is, the pedestrian should be conscious that he 

 is going in the direction in which he desires to go, and is 

 not -making a detour for the simple purpose of following the 

 walk. Convenience should be the first thing to be con- 

 sidered. After the Walks have been laid in the most con- 

 venient places, the question of ornamenting the borders may 

 be considered. It is always well to avoid, so far as possible, 

 the bisecting of lawns by Walks, as that makes two lawns 

 where there should be only one. The larger a greensward 

 can be made to look, the more park- like and natural is the 

 place. Avoid taking the Walks circuitously around the 

 borders unless they are laid for the simple purpose of mak- 

 ing a ramble to show off the grounds. All Walks which are 

 designed for serious use should appear to be necessary, 

 direct and convenient. 



Some soils which contain considerable loam and sand will 

 pack with tramping and will make good Walks, but it is 

 usually necessary to lay some material on the soil. Gravel, 

 cinders, and the like, may be better than the natural sur- 

 face; but in many cases they are worse, since the surface 

 is loose and is unpleasant to walk on. In Walks which 

 are on decided slopes, and down which the water is likely to 

 run, any loose material is very objectionable, since it runs to 

 the low places. The best material for Walks, all things 

 considered, is cement, or what is called artificial stone. If 

 well made, it is as durable as nagging, and is not so likely to 



