THE GARDEN STEPS 59 



using the steps to aid him in reaching the upper 

 level of the ground. This idea of ramping is not 

 original, for it has been carried out in the old 

 Italian gardens for centuries, but it is only within 

 recent years that it has been successfully devel- 

 oped by landscape gardeners in our country. 



Two important things connected with these stair- 

 ways are ease and comfort. There is no doubt but 

 within the last few years, marvels have been accom- 

 plished by introducing them into steep hillsides. 

 In this way they connect the lower level and the 

 terrace, making it practical to develop unused land 

 for flower purposes. 



The placing of steps cannot be determined by 

 cast-iron rules, rather should good taste predomi- 

 nate. Nothing can give such an awkward look to 

 your garden or terrace as a series of narrow, 

 cramped stairs. If, however, you should in the 

 same place introduce a flight ample in proportion, 

 then even if it is a small space there will be im- 

 parted to it an agreeable air of breadth. 



Be sure that each step should extend farther to 

 the side than the one above it. They should be 

 rectangular so that the outline of the stair mass is 

 pyramidal or circular in formation. If stone is 



