42 THE LITTLE GARDEN 



or at right angles to each other. Then they may serve as axes 

 of a general plan, wholly outside of their first reason for being. 

 Where gravel is used, a straight edge of turf for one's beds or 

 borders of flowers is usually necessary; or a tiny weU-trimmed 

 hedge of barberry, or of box where climate permits. 



An interesting recessing of the lines of very low hedges out- 

 lining beds of flowers is sometimes managed successfully. This 

 is usually planned only where beds bordering walks are long and 

 narrow; and where the interruption of that long line is agreeable. 

 I have seen such hedges, six inches high, turned at right angles 

 back from a walk, to form a recess just large enough for room for 

 a well-designed seat or bench; in every case the same idea was 

 carried out immediately across the walk, so that the occupants 

 of the benches faced each other; the low hedge running aroimd 

 the recess, and going on its steady way adown the path or walk 

 after having made the four necessary turns. Low hedges of 

 this character give an appearance of embossing of a dark color 

 and add greatly to the charm of gardens. The new shrub for 

 dwarf hedges. Privet ibolium, may be a good material for this 

 type of hedge. 



About grades and levels I feel myself incompetent to write. 

 Authority here particularly requires training. But one excellent 

 hint I would give to all owners of small lawns that must slope. 

 In grading such lawns, see to it that your grade is in a dipping, or 

 concave line; this is nature's line, and the effect, though a sub- 

 conscious one on the beholder, is totally different from that 

 created by the convex grade on a slope. Also, it is far more 

 agreeable. Then, a word as to the commonly used grass-terrace. 

 This is one of the curses of the western cities, and of suburbs all 

 over the country. There are a thousand arguments against it, 

 and not one for it; it is an affair of imitation, and surely that must 

 be its only reason for existence in so many localities to-day. 



