360 TI1E PLEASURE, OR [April. 



inches thick; and as you proceed in laying, observe to rake off the 

 coarse parts into the bottom and to raise the middle of the walk 

 higher than the sides in a gradual rounding form, just as much and 

 no more as is sufficient to carry off the wet to each side. The 

 proportion to be observed is, a walk of four feet wide should be 

 one inch and a half higher in the middle than at the sides, and for 

 every foot after that such increases in width, add to this a quarter 

 of an inch for the centre elevation. Rounding the walk too much 

 would make it very uneasy to walk on, and of an unpleasing 

 appearance. Never lay more in one day than you can finish off 

 and roll effectually. 



Gravel-walks should now, if not done in March, be broken up 

 and turned; for such turnings will not only destroy weeds and 

 moss, but will render them much more agreeable to walk on; 

 besides, the fresh and lively surface will be sightly and pleasing. 



Before you begin to turn the gravel, the edges of the walks, if of 

 grass, should be first neatly dressed with an edging iron, such as 

 described in page 77; or, if planted with box, they ought to be hand- 

 somely trimmed with garden shears; any borders near the walks 

 should be neatly dug, and the surface raked smooth; for when the 

 edges and borders are put in proper order they add much to the 

 general neatness. Proceed then to dig the walk five or six inches 

 deep, or whatever depth the fine gravel will admit of, turning the 

 surface clean to the bottom, and the fresh gravel below to the top, 

 rounding and dressing the walk neatly after you, and rolling the 

 whole effectually when done. 



In turning or laying down gravel-walks, always choose dry wea- 

 ther, and let the work be done in the most complete order, as these 

 contribute very materially to the beauty of the whole garden. 



Roll the walks once a week regularly after being either turned 

 or new laid; such will render them firm and neat, and also greatly 

 prevent the growth of weeds. It is a general rule among neat 

 gardeners, who are allowed sufficient help, to roll and sweep the 

 gravel-walks every Saturday. During the summer it is of much 

 advantage to give a good rolling after rain, which will preserve a 

 compact smooth surface. 



Grass-walks and Lawns. 



Grass-walks and lawns may yet be laid in the middle and eastern 

 states, if done in the beginning of this month; but if delayed till 

 the weather becomes dry, it will scorch the turf and render the 

 surface disagreeable. For the method of laying and making them, 

 see page 305. 



The grass-walks and lawns should be well rolled in the early 

 part of the month; and afterwards, as the grass advances ingrowth, 

 it should be mowed as often as the scythe can lay hold of it, for 

 this is a season in which most people delight to walk out; conse- 

 quently the walks ought to be kept in good order. Besides, were 

 this neglected in spring, the grass would become coarse and rank, 

 and be some time before it could be restored to its proper texture. 



