THE GARDEN STEPS 57 



There should be a definite purpose in the use 

 of this particular feature and the most important 

 one is that it should be so arranged that one can 

 reach different levels easily. There should be no 

 precipitous pitch that makes one feel while ascend- 

 ing that thej are performing tiresome gymnastic 

 feats. This necessitates that they should be con- 

 structed on a gradual incline, thus making the as- 

 cent so easy that one is hardly conscious they are 

 walking always upward until they have reached 

 the top, and stand on level ground. This is often 

 not enough considered and yet is most important. 



In laying the stepping stones, there should be 

 definite proportions thought out between the ris- 

 ers, breadth of the treads and the height between. 

 Any variation would produce awkward results. 

 Great care should be taken in choosing slabs either 

 of stone or marble that are of the same size. 



If the steps connect different parts of the garden 

 scheme or lead to a rock garden, they should be 

 cunningly introduced into the side of the ascent, 

 placed so that they will add to the picturesque- 

 ness of the effect. They should break the hillside 

 pleasingly, so that when completed they wiU form 

 a pleasant picture, delightful for the eye to gaze 



