THE GAEDEN STEPS 55 



day. These old gardens showed terraces, steps, 

 leading from walk to walk, paths laid at right 

 angles, through which one walked to view the 

 spaces intricately designed with "knotted" beds 

 and mazes, each one of which conformed to details 

 in the buildings of their stately homes. 



There were the first steps laid out in gardens in 

 America, a novel feature that has been evolved 

 into elaborate designs with the passing of the years. 

 To-day no garden is complete that does not show 

 some form of steps or terrace. 



Rockeries have come into vogue not only in large, 

 elaborate garden plots but in simple little home 

 grounds. They are approached by steps of stone 

 that correspond with the rough, rural aspect of this 

 feature of garden culture. Shy wild flowers peep 

 timidly out from their homes between the crevices 

 of the rock. Here in the early spring we find the 

 cup-shaped crocus with its yellow tongue nestled 

 contentedly in among the brown furred fern 

 fronds, that soon will unfurl in dainty loveliness. 

 Leading from the steps are grass banks and low 

 walks, surrounding the rockery and affording 

 pleasant promenades, from which to view the gar- 

 den in its entirety. 



