236 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



get out of place. It holds its surface perfectly year 

 after year. 



The only objection to cement Walks is when they are 

 more or less temporary, for in such cases they cannot be 

 moved. There is often very serious difficulty in securing 

 good cement Walks, but the difficulties are easily overcome. 

 They are chiefly two: there is not sufficient draining ma- 

 terial beneath the cement ; and the cement itself is not made 

 strong enough. There should be at least a foot of loose 

 material, as brickbats or cinders, below the cement cover; 

 and if the place is low and likely to hold water, there should 

 be still greater drainage. Pound the material down, or let it 

 stand for some time until it becomes thoroughly settled 

 together. Then lay the cement in two courses. The first 

 course may be three or four inches thick and made of well 

 mixed mortar, comprising three parts Portland cement, 

 one part water lime, and two to three times as much sharp 

 sand as Portland. When this has become partially hard- 

 ened, but before it is set and while still moist, put on a 

 finishing layer of one inch, made of one part Portland 

 cement, one part water lime, and one part sharp sand. It is 

 important that the materials be very thoroughly mixed. See 

 that the edges of the walk are made square and true by lay- 

 ing down a form of boards lengthwise the area before the 

 cement is put on. The edges should be as thick as the 

 middle, for a thin crust on the edge tends to snap off. A 

 walk made in this way on a well -drained foundation will last 

 almost indefinitely. It is best that it be made in such sea- 

 son that it can become thoroughly set before frosty weather 

 comes. 



Wallflower. A favorite plant for pots or gar- 

 den, having a clove -like fragrance. Seed of most varieties 

 should be sown the year before wanted. One kind, being an 

 annual, will flower the same season the seed is sown. Hardy. 

 Two to 3 feet. 



Washing orchard trees is an old practice. It 



