68 THE HOME ACRE. 



If the general fruitfulness of the garden rather than 

 perfection in a few vegetables is desired, the bor- 

 ders, with their trees, vines, and flowers, will prove 

 no objection. Moreover, when it comes to com- 

 peting in cabbages, potatoes, etc., the proprietor 

 of the Home Acre will find that some Irishman, 

 by the aid of his redolent pig-pen, will surpass 

 him. The roots and shade extending from his bor- 

 ders will not prevent him from growing good 

 vegetables, if not the largest. 



We will therefore suppose that, as the simplest 

 and most economical arrangement, he has adopted 

 the plan of a walk six feet wide extending through 

 the centre of his garden. As was the case with the 

 other paths, it will be greatly to his advantage to 

 stake it out and remove about four inches of the 

 surface-soil, piling it near the stable to be used for 

 composting purposes or in the earth-closet. The 

 excavation thus made should be filled with small 

 stones or cinders, and then covered with fine gravel. 

 A walk that shall be dry at all times is thus secured, 

 and it will be almost wholly free from weeds. In 

 these advantages alone one is repaid for the extra 

 first cost, and in addition the rich surface soil ob- 

 tained will double the bulk and value of the ferti- 

 lizers with which it is mixed. 



Having made the walk, borders five feet wide 

 can be laid out on each side of it, and the soil in 



