24 THE ART AND PRACTICE OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



That part nearest the house should be level with its horizontal 

 ground-line. Length of terrace gives importance to a plan. It has 

 been laid down that the width of the terrace should be equal 

 to the height of the front of the house, and the rule is right when 

 applied to many grand buildings ; but for a less pretentious dwelling- 

 house, which is frequently high in comparison with its length, the 

 proportion is not fitting. For such a building the width of the grass 

 might be 10 ft. ; that of the walk, 9 to 12 ft. ; and of the grass 

 thence to the edge of the slope, not less than 6 ft. If beds for 

 flowers are to be cut on the flat space of grass, the width must 

 necessarily be greater. The greater the depth of slope, the greater 

 should be the distance between the edge of the walk and the slope- 

 edge. To shorten this distance is one of the commonest mistakes 

 made ; it creates a sensation of falling off, or insecurity, that is 

 inimical to comfort. When, however, a dwarf wall or balustrade is 

 used, the space that would have been laid in grass in this position 

 should be given to increase the width of the gravel. It is well 

 to give a slight fall of i in. in 10 ft. in the space between the 

 house and the edge of the slope. In determining the distance that 

 the slope-edge, or wall, shall be from the building, care must be 

 taken to avoid cutting off the view beyond. If a portion of the 

 landscape be thus sacrificed, it may be necessary to form a slope 

 quite close to the house, and then make the terrace walk on a 

 lower level beyond. In any case, there should always be a level 

 space at the top and at the bottom of the slope, which should 

 extend its length in unbroken line, not following the irregularity 

 of line that may be formed by the building at its earth level. If 

 a break of any kind must be made in this continuous line, only 

 one such interruption should be suffered. The effect of this slope 

 next the house is to add to its apparent altitude, as the eye in- 



