April.] FLOWER-GARDEN. 359 
walk, and proceed to level the boundary on each side} corresponding 
to the adjacent ground, and form the cavity of the walk for the re- 
ception of the gravel; observing that the whole space, to make a 
permanent and good walk, should be dug ten or twelve inches deep, 
to allow for a proper depth of gravel, both to prevent weeds rising 
from the ground below, and worms from casting up the earth there- 
from; and also to allow a proper depth for turning the gravel, 
occasionally, when the surface becomes foul: the earth dug out 
from the cavity of the walk, may be used to raise and level any 
hollow parts on each side, or contiguously situated; which, with 
the edgings, if of Box, should always be completed before you be- 
gin to lay the gravel. 
The walks being thus laid out, you may first lay any stony rub- 
bish, such as brick-bats, small stones, &c. for several inches deep 
in the bottom, which will greatly obstruct worm-casts, drain off 
any extra moisture, and thereby prevent the surface from becoming 
mossy or foul: the proper gravel is then to be laid on, six or eight 
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 off 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 78; or, if planted with box, they ought to be 
handsomely 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 be- 
low 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 
