360 THE PLEASURE, OR [April. 
inches thick; and as you proceed in laying, observe to rake off the 
coarse parts into the bottom and to raise the middle of the walk 
higher than the sides in a gradual rounding form, just as much and 
no more as is sufficient to carry ott' the wet to each side. The 
proportion to be observed is, a walk of four feet wide should be 
one inch and a half higher in the middle than at the sides, and for 
every foot after that such increases in width, add to this a quarter 
of an inch for the centre elevation. Rounding the walk too much 
would make it very uneasy to walk on, and of an unpleasing 
appearance. Never lay more in one day than you can finish off 
and roll effectually. 
Gravel-walks should now, if not done in March, be broken up 
and turned; for such turnings will not only destroy weeds and 
moss, but will render them much more agreeable to walk on; 
besides, the fresh and lively surface will be sightly and pleasing. 
Before you begin to turn the gravel, the edges of the walks, if of 
grass, should be first neatly dressed with an edging iron, such as 
described in page 77; or, if planted with box, they ought to be hand - 
somely trimmed with garden shears; any borders near the walks 
should be neatly dug, and the surface raked smooth; for when the 
edges and borders are put in proper order they add much to the 
general neatness. Proceed then to dig the walk five or six inches 
deep, or whatever depth the fine gravel will admit of, turning the 
surface clean to the bottom, and the fresh gravel below to the top, 
rounding and dressing the walk neatly after you, and rolling the 
whole effectually when done. 
In turning or laying down gravel-walks, always choose dry wea- 
ther, and let the work be done in the most complete order, as these 
contribute very materially to the beauty of the whole garden. 
Roll the walks once a week regularly after being either turned 
or new laid; such will render them firm and neat, and also greatly 
prevent the growth of weeds. It is a general rule among neat 
gardeners, who are allowed sufficient help, to roll and sweep the 
gravel-walks every Saturday. During the summer it is of much 
advantage to give a good rolling after rain, which will preserve a 
compact smooth surface. 
Grass-walks and Lawns. 
Grass-walks and lawns may yet be laid in the middle and eastern 
states, if done in the beginning of this month; but if delayed till 
the weather becomes dry, it will scorch the turf and render the 
surface disagreeable. For the method of laying and making them, 
see page 305. 
The grass-walks and lawns should be well rolled in the early 
part of the month; and afterwards, as the grass advances in growth, 
it should be mowed as often as the scythe can lay hold of it, for 
this is a season in which most people delight to walk out; conse- 
quently the walks ought to be kept in good order. Besides, were 
this neglected in spring, the grass would become coarse and rank, 
and be some time before it could be restored to its proper texture. 
