68 THE BOOK OF GARDEN FURNITURE 



the presence of trees in the vicinity greatly adds to 

 the effect obtained, especially if stone be the material 

 employed. Similarly, flowers — not stiffly grown bed- 

 ding-out stuff, but the free-growing annuals, poppies, 

 the wild tangle of cornflowers, and sweetly scented 

 mignonette, all help to make a picture, when planted 

 carelessly near at hand. Grass paths which widen out 

 into a circle offer a convenient site, of which advantage 

 may be taken. Among the roses, too, in the rose garden 

 the dial will be quite appropriate ; and silent beside the 

 riot of beauty which all too quickly fades, will point its 

 message of fleeting time more than ever significantly. 

 Other suitable positions will occur to all, and so long as 

 good taste and an eye for the fitness of things govern the 

 choice of a site, there is little fear but that the sundial 

 will prove a valued and valuable acquisition to the garden 

 scene. There are plenty of objects far more intrinsically 

 beautiful, but the real charm of the dial lies in its senti- 

 mental interest, and the thoughts and feelings which are 

 aroused in all but the most unthinking by its presence. 

 Hence we cannot be too careful that we only use it 

 where it is absolutely free from incongruity of surround- 

 ings, and especially must we avoid making it share the 

 honours with the products of the cheap nurseryman, and 

 the barefaced enormities of the jerry-builder. 



Having disposed somewhat of the question of site, we 

 may briefly consider the form and construction of the dial 

 itself. The essential parts are the style and the dial face, 

 the former consisting either of the edge of a metal plate 

 or of a small rod, made parallel to the axis of the earth 

 and pointing towards the north pole. The face is marked 

 with lines indicating the direction of the shadow for the 

 several hours of the day. These are the essential parts, 

 and, of course, can only be made by the expert ; the 

 pedestal or support, which may be simple or elaborate, 

 according to the taste or means of the buyer, requires no 



