48 GARDEN DESIGN 



certain recognized rules. Where paths diverge, 

 a specially selected stone is placed at the junction. 

 Sometimes a smaller is placed on 

 a larger, and is known as a ' ' pedes- 

 tal stone." (Diagram 14.) Some- 

 where in the garden will be an 

 important one the " guest receiv- 

 ^^- ing stone." The stepping stones 



DIAGRAM 14. 



are mostly natural flat slabs laid 

 within 4 in. of each other for convenience of 

 cleaning, but where a person may be desirous to 

 pause and look about, hewn granite slabs are used, 

 known as "label stones." (See Diagram 15.) 

 Gravel paths are seldom 

 made. Open spaces may 

 be strewn with silver DIAGRAM 15. 



sand raked into elaborate patterns. 



Apart from the more obvious usefulness of 

 stones they are set all over the garden, and are of 

 primary importance, their size setting the scale 

 for all ornaments and accessories, and even for the 

 trees. They must, therefore, bear reference to 

 the size of the garden itself, which may vary from 

 50 sq. yds. to several acres. Those of peculiar 

 shape are sought after, and the extravagance in 

 this direction grew to such an extent that an edict 

 was issued in the middle of the nineteenth century, 

 limiting the price that might be paid. Gardens 

 are famous for rocks, as ours are for special plants. 

 Five principal shapes are recognized, and in groups 



