136 GARDEN DESIGN 



The extent of the steps must depend on the rest 

 of the terrace, a high terrace requiring more width, 

 and vice versa. In any case the opening in the 

 wall should not appear square when viewed 

 from the front. The sides would be finished in 

 the same style as the terrace with balustrade, 

 parapet wall or simple plinth, and these may 

 either run out flush with the terrace and drop at the 

 foot of the steps, or they may descend with the 

 steps, in which case they should finish with a pier. 



Where space is a consideration landings may be 

 made at which the steps turn. Landings may be 

 very effective, and a means of affording outlooks 

 on the garden below. The drawing on page 135 

 shows an ascent into a rose garden. Behind the 

 water basin a clear view can be had down the 

 approach path. Besides the interest of a landing 

 afforded by steps turned in this way the line at the 

 foot of the terrace is unbroken by projections. 

 Another way of avoiding the projection of steps 

 is to have them inserted in the width of the ter- 

 race, so that the lowest step is flush with its retaining 

 wall, but the terrace to allow this must be of ample 

 width. At Hatfield House the line of the parapet 

 wall and of the path below are both preserved 

 by carrying out a platform on an arch, and having 

 the descent from that. The platform affords good 

 views of the Italian garden below, and underneath 

 it is a good sheltered seat. (See Diagram 48.) 



Steps down a grass bank cannot be of grass 



