56 



GRAVEL WALKS — 01^ GRAFTING. {^MarcJl. 



GRAVEL WALKS. 



A practice once existed of turning these into heaps, or 

 ridges during winter, to destroy weeds, &c. But this has 

 almost been given up as unnecessary, unsightly, inconve- 

 nient, and not doing any material service. 



Where the surface of these has become foul, irregular, or 

 mossy, they had better be turned over four or five inches 

 deep where the gravel will admit of it ; but if not, hoe and 

 rake them perfectly clean, give a new coat of gravel, and 

 pick up any stones that you think too large ; then give them 

 a good rolling, applying it frequently after showery of rain. 

 T^hen they are well attended to just now, they will look 

 well all the season ; but if neglected, they take more labor, 

 and are never in such good condition. 



Fancy-edgings of Thijme, Thrifty Lavender^ and Violets — 

 (^Daisies may be used if the situation is shaded). The whole 

 of these may be planted by the line with the dibber except 

 Thjjme, which lay as directed for Box. See this month, 

 under that head. Anytime in this or beginning of .next 

 month will answer to make edgings of these ] and if dry 

 weather occurs before they begin to grow after planting, 

 they must have frequent waterings until they have taken 

 fresh root. Thyme requires to be dressed twice during the 

 season to keep it in order. 



OF GRAFTING. 



There are four methods of grafting. It can be applied to 

 all kinds of shrubbery, choosing a common species from the 

 same genus that the sort belongs to, which is intended to be 

 multiplied. The one we will describe is icliip or tongue 

 yraftingj which is the preferable and most expeditious plan 

 with all deciduous shrubs or trees. The stock upon which 

 it is performed must be slender, from two-thirds of an inch 

 to any diameter suitable to the thickness of the graft. Having 

 headed the stock at a clear smooth part, slope it on one side 

 with a sharp knife at a very acute angle, make a slit on the 

 lower side of the slope about an inch downward, to receive 

 the tongue or wedge of the graft or scion. Secondly, having 



