Villa Gardens 103 



which are cheap in first cost, very straight, 

 round and regular. But the effect of many 

 such stakes in a garden is to suggest an ad- 

 mixture of tropical vegetation, for the bamboo 

 asserts its character with no uncertain voice. 

 Moreover, it bleaches to an unpleasant white 

 and rots very quickly, rarely being useful for 

 a second season. 



The best stake is one made of oak. It needs 

 no paint, and is good for many seasons if stored 

 in a dry place for the winter. The oak rods 

 may be used rough from the saw, and should 

 be procured in long strips to be cut to length 

 as required. 



If, however, oak be considered too expensive, 

 then deal rods may be substituted, with the 

 proviso that they are painted with at least two 

 coats of good oil colour (green of course), being 

 planed first, so as to offer less lodgment for the 

 rain. 



For Roses, Hollyhocks and Dahlias I find 

 that I -inch square rods are amply stout. 



If about 3 inches at the top on one side be 

 painted white, it may be used as a label, but I 



