102 



LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



lines. Such grades are much more beautiful than abrupt 

 terraces or slopes, more easily cared for, and there is no 

 danger from injury by the turf sliding down or being 

 broken down by stepping upon it in the spring as the frost 

 is working out of the ground. 



It is often possible to remove unsightly bank walls 

 and grade over the place with graceful rounded out- 

 lines that are more natural and beautiful, and wherever 

 possible this should be done. By excavating in front 

 of the bank wall, as in Fig. 59, a space may be obtained 



FIG. 59. COVERING UP BANK WALL. 



in which to cover up the stones if they are needed for 

 no other purpose, when the surface may be sloped off at 

 line BB. 



In some cases, however, where the house is located on a 

 very steep slope and very near the street, a retaining-wall 

 becomes a necessity, under which condition the only way 

 that the unnatural ness of the surface can be hidden is by 

 covering the wall with climbing vines like the Japanese 

 woodbine (Ampelopsis Vietchii), Fig. 118, page 214, or by 



