TERRACES AND TERRACE GARDENS. 



wall does not exceed four feet six inches. They may be arranged as a semicircle 

 (No. 122), a half octagon (No. 121) or square (No. 120), but whichever shape is adopted, 

 they should have a very ample spread. In the perspective view of the grounds of Foots 

 Cray Place, Sidcup (111. No. 415) will be seen a design which combines the best features 

 of both semicircular spreading steps and a straight flight between retaining walls. 

 Occasionally in very elaborate flights of steps accompanying early classic renaissance 

 mansions, the balustraded side walls are curved so as to make the steps broader as 

 one proceeds down them. This arrangement has much the same effect as spreading 

 steps, and exactly the same raison d'etre in allowing the steps to be approached 

 obliquely from below where a path runs right and left from their base. 



Where the terrace is supported by a very low wall only two or three feet high, 

 steps of great width may be made to add to the effectiveness of the terrace. Thus, 



Width. 



FIG. 125. 



FIG. 126. 



for a summer-house having a central verandah, I proposed steps thirty feet in length, 

 extending across its full breadth, the work, when carried out, producing a pleasing effect 

 at a small cost. 



Long flights of steps give the Landscape Architect his opportunity both to invent 

 easy and convenient connections between varying levels and also to secure striking 

 effects. To obtain the first, change of direction and frequent half-landings are essential, 

 with seats or rest-houses at points of interest when a great number of steps is necessary. 

 Unless, however, alternative sloping paths are provided for reaching the higher levels, 

 repetition of flights on the same axial line should be avoided. The magnificence of the 

 great stairway at the Villa d'Este at Tivoli is often quoted as the grand model for a 

 series of steps, but those who know these gardens will remember the numerous more 

 easy ways from one part of the grounds to another. As an example of a change of 



Long 

 flights. 



99 



