STEPS 



207 



shrubs upon the raised banks which will take their place. 

 The humble tarred railway-sleeper even can be utilized in 

 place of stone steps, and with small alpines growing in the 

 joints between it will look well. So many are prevented 

 by the fear of cost from making gardens ; and yet it is 

 best to plan out in correct proportion from the outset, and 

 execute temporarily in 

 woodwork, to be fol- 

 lowed later by elaborate 

 stonework as soon as 

 the exchequer allows. 

 Therefore all notes that 

 can be made as to the 

 width of steps, their 

 height so as to provide 

 an easy ascent, and the 

 different landing-places 

 where rest is secured, 

 are sure to be of use, 

 whether we execute 

 in stone, brickwork, 

 wood, or grass. 



There is no doubt 

 that even in gardens 

 which are not upon a 

 steep hillside it is good 

 to make, if possible, dif- 

 ferences in level. There- 

 fore where a place does not possess these naturally they 

 should be contrived, for it helps towards the incidents and 

 surprises that are so important in garden design. Such 

 diversity of height has to be considered chiefly for the 

 actual pleasure ground; and near where steps occur 

 there must be a workman's path, upon an easy incline, 

 where a wheelbarrow can ascend. 



Fig. 121. 



A, Path widening as it nears D. 



B, Plateau with sundial, H. 

 BJ, Similar plateau. 



D, Steps. 



E, Brick retaining walls to terraces. 



