WALKS AND LAWNS 33 
if they betray signs of too constant attention—their sur- 
face smooth, the grass edges rigorously trimmed, 
and evidences of the line, shears and roller everywhere 
apparent. A prim pathway would be a sad eyesore on 
the ragged face of the hillside, the mountain track 
equally ridiculous winding among shaven lawns and 
glowing flower-beds. It is often necessary to effect a 
satisfactory transition between these two styles, and this 
can only be done by means of a well-marked boundary. 
Either a broad hedge, a small gateway, or a short per- 
gola may be depended upon in most instances to render 
the passage from one to the other free from incongruity. 
Two walks should never be seen running parallel to one 
another for any considerable distance; one or other is 
almost sure to appear needless. If the second path is a 
necessity, it should be screened from its fellow by suit- 
able planting. In the same way, the junction of two 
distinct paths should be so arranged that there is no 
reason to suppose that either one or the other is super- 
fluous. Repton’s ideas on this and kindred matters 
relating to walks are worthy of study and imitation. 
He makes it a rule that in the case of two walks branch- 
ing off from one another, each should take a decided 
outward turn, as though there were no possibility of 
their meeting again. 
Paths which lead ‘‘nowhere” are usually a failure, 
and we can most of us recall the annoyance experienced 
after following a walk for some distance only to find 
that it ended in a cul-de-sac. If such arrangement be 
necessary, as it sometimes is, some compensating in- 
fluence should always be provided at the end. A small 
summer-house, a curved ‘seat and sundial, a well grown 
tree inviting rest and shade beneath its branches—any 
of these will remove the pointless appearance. 
There are absolutely no rules regarding the formation 
of serpentine walks, unless they be those of a negative 
c 
