FASHIONING THE GARDEN. 
9 
the surface, add a layer of fresh gravel, and then giving 
a good rolling. Drives are made similarly to gravel paths, 
except that there should be at least ift. of hard core in the 
bottom and 3m. of gravel on top. The centre should be 3m. 
higher than the sides, and the width be 15ft. to 20ft. Drains 
must also be furnished at the sides. Sometimes paths are 
formed of portions of broken flagstones. These are simply 
laid on the soil and creeping plants grown in the crevices, an 
old and pleasing idea. 
Borders. — The width of these must be governed by the 
size of the garden. They should, however, as previously in- 
timated, be narrower on the shady than the sunny side. In 
small gardens a good useful width is 5ft. to 8ft., but in larger 
gardens the width may vary from 8ft. to 12ft. or more. When 
of good width there is ample room to grow bold groups ot 
hollyhocks, phloxes, and Michaelmas daisies at the back ; 
lupins, echinops, and eryngiums in front ; paeonies, irises, etc., 
next ; and smaller plants in front. Needless to say, such 
borders should be deeply trenched, heavily manured and 
limed before planting. Deep culture ensures free rooting, 
strong growth, and handsome heads or spikes of flowers. 
Moreover, in dry weather the roots can descend deeply in 
search of moisture, and will need less water. 
Beds. — These should be of simple design, either oval, 
round, oblong, or heart-shape. Beds of intricate outline are 
no longer favoured, and rightly so. The simpler the beds the 
more pleasing flowers or shrubs will be. Of course, where a 
group of beds is desired for growing roses or summer flowers 
and spring bulbs, the beds may be of other shapes to fit in 
and make a pleasing design. Here, again, the more simple 
their form the better. The same precautions should be ob- 
served in the case of preparing the soil as advised for the 
borders. 
Lawns and Tennis Courts. — A good lawn is the chief 
charm of a garden, and no trouble or expense ought to be 
spared in its formation. A mere levelling of the soil and 
laying down indifferent turf, or sowing grass seeds, will never 
ensure a good lawn. If the soil be of a heavy or damp nature, 
