64 



Villa Gardens 



thrqw off the rain water ; but this becomes 

 unnecessary if the ground slopes perceptibly 

 across the line of the path, as then the path 

 may be kept flat on the surface and made to 

 continue the natural slope of the ground. To 

 effect this with a minimum of trouble, a rough 

 straight-edge may be made, as shown in the 

 illustration. 



Fig. I 



It is tapered to the correct angle, and a spirit 

 level is fixed in the centre of the top edge. 

 With this appliance you will be able to test 

 the slope of the path at all stages of its con- 

 struction, and at the same time to keep its 

 surface flat. 



It should be noted that, excellent as the 

 stretched cord is for keeping a straight line, it 

 is not to be depended upon for keeping the 

 level, since it always sags perceptibly between 

 its points of support ; hence it is advisable to 



