96 The Wild Garden 



When we want a way merely for our own convenience, 

 by far the best is a Grass drive or walk through pretty 

 woodland scenery, over park, hill, or by stream or river. 

 A delightful privilege which English gardens have, 

 more than others, is that of having Grass walks of the 

 finest texture and verdure. At Holwood, in the late 

 Lord Derby's time, it was pleasant to see the number 

 and the delightful charm of the Grass walks there. 

 Around our houses we must have good firm walks; 

 but once free of the house and regular gardens, one 

 may break into the graceful Grass walks without injury 

 to anything. Some prefer gravel walks in winter, but 

 the gravel walk is not always much drier than a well- 

 made Grass walk ; however, as we use our gardens 

 most in summer, it does not matter so much. Even 

 on heavy soils Grass walks may be delightful the 

 greater part of the year, and on dry soils we need not 

 fear the wet. 



It is not only the effect of Grass walks that is in their 

 favour — they are a great economy. They can be cleaned 

 with one-fourth of the labour which the gravel walks 

 take. Once free of the garden, it is rather in the 

 rougher parts of the pleasure ground and about the 

 park that Grass walks are made with the best results. 

 The line of ground should be studied both for ease in 

 walking and mowing, and for the sake of the best views. 

 Nothing in gardening rewards us so well as well 

 thought out Grass walks and drives. If, as they should 

 be, the gravel walks about the house are reduced to 



