252 FLOWER GAPvDEN. 



occasienally very excellent varieties are found upon the 

 sea-sliore. The gravel of Kensington and Blackheath 

 has attained considerable celebrity ; and is frequently 

 employed in remote parts of the kingdom, the expense 

 being lessened by its being conveyed to different sea- 

 ports as ballast of ships. In summer, a gravel walk 

 requires hoeing and raking from time to time, to clear 

 it from weeds and tufts of grass. After this operation, 

 or even after a simple sweeping, it is rolled down with 

 a hand-roller ; and this is repeated as often as the sur- 

 face is ruffled. Nothing contributes more to the ele- 

 gance and convenience of garden walks than frequent 

 rolling. 



Edgings. — Walks are generally separated from the 

 borders and parterres by some kind of dense bushy 

 plant planted closely in line. By far the best edging 

 is afforded by the' Dwarf Dutch JBox (Buxus sempervi- 

 rens var.). It is extremely neat, and, when annually 

 clipped, will remain in good order for many years. It 

 may be planted at any season, except when in full growth 

 or in midwinter. Excellent edgings are also formed by 

 Sea Pink (Statice armeria) and Double Daisy (Bellis 

 perennis). Dwarf Gentian- (Gentiana acaulis), London 

 Pride (Saxifraga umbrosa), and the pretty native saxi- 

 frage, S. hypnoidcs, are likewise used. Indeed, any 

 low-growing herbaceous plant, susceptible of minute 

 division, is fitted for an edging. Among the great 

 variety occasionally employ? ed for this purpose may be 

 mentioned the Pansy (Viola tricolor),, the Dwarf Bell- 

 flower (Campanula pumila), the Cowslip, Polyanthus, 

 Auricula, Ilepatica, Veronica fruticulosa, Calluna vul- 

 garis fl. pleno, and Erica carnea. Edgings may also 

 be formed of spars of wood, narrow pieces of sandstone 



