AND FLOWER-GARDEN DIRECTORY. 13 
which not only make them uneasy to walk upon, but takes off 
from their apparent breadth. One inch to the foot, is sufficient 
proportion for the rise in the centre; so that a walk of four feet 
wide, should be two inches higher in the centre than at the edges, 
and so in proportion for walks of greater width. One inch in 
three feet, will give sufficient fall for drainage. These directions 
are applicable for medium-sized gardens. In extensive grounds, 
greater width will be necessary, in order to insure the symetrical 
proportions of the parterre; in which case, the gravel should be 
laid deeper. As soon as the gravel is laid on, it should be well 
raked and the large stones removed. The whole should be well 
rolled, both lengthwise and crosswise. A clean gravel-walk adds 
greatly to the beauty of the garden. If the walks are extensive, 
they should be rolled once a week, particularly after a rain. 
GATHERING SEED. 
Those who wish to gather flower-seed must attend to them in 
the month of August. Many kinds will begin to ripen and should 
be carefully staked and supported, to prevent them from being 
shaken by high winds and lost. Others should be defended from 
dampness, such as Asters, and generally such as, from the con- 
struction of their flowers, are apt to rot and the seed to mould in 
bad seasons. When they are ripe, they should be gathered and 
placed in some dry situation, protected against winds, and when 
dry, rubbed or beat out, placed in papers or boxes, and properly 
labeled. 
PRESERVING SEED. 
When flower-seed are to be preserved longer than the usual 
period, or when to be sent to a great distance, if placed in cotton, 
saw-dust, or dry sand, they may be preserved for any reasonable 
time. 
