168 THROUGH LIBRARY WINDOWS 



at certain points are low to keep unobstructed 

 a pleasing view of the off scape; — again they 

 recede into deep bays to emphasize the shadows 

 that stretch out over the lawn, so giving an 

 ever varying edge, adding both charm and in- 

 dividuality to the composition. 



The lawn is the heart of our garden and has 

 the right of way, possible because it was Ruth's 

 plea, "let us have a generous lawn." It reaches 

 out over the longest part of the garden and 

 one of the happiest, it is so restful to the 

 eye. The birds enjoy it, especially the robins 

 who regard it as their own hunting ground for 

 luscious lunches. They work it vigorously morn 

 and eve. The children claim it as just the spot 

 for a barefoot race with Lionel, which is often 

 given with several tumble-downs, mingled with 

 squeals and shouts and laughter. It is training 

 patch for young athletes, an appetiser, a balm 

 for restful sleep. The lawn subserves its pur- 

 pose. When we took possession of this garden 

 of delights, it had suffered from neglect; in 

 reconstructing we broke up its level and shaped 

 it to fit space and sunlight and ornament, 

 worked into it our best ideas to make it ideal. 

 We avoided straight lines, nature delights in 

 curves, the few shrubs were of the hardy native 

 species rather than horticultural varieties. So 



