s 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
roses, and perennials will refuse to do well, and the trouble, 
annoyance, and expense of trenching will have to be en- 
countered later to ensure satisfactory results. 
Paths. — Having decided the position of the paths, the next 
thing will be to form them. For the average small garden the 
paths may be 3ft. wide, but for those of larger size the width 
should be 4ft. to 6ft. Where the soil is naturally well-drained 
shallow paths formed of 4m. to 6in. of core (brickbats, 
clinkers, or stones), and covered with iin. of coarse and iin. 
of fine gravel, will suffice. If the soil is of a clayey nature it 
should be removed to a depth of ift., and 6in. of brickbats, 
3m. of coarse cinders or stones, 2in. of coarse and iin. of 
fine gravel put on top. This will make a good firm dry 
path. Where paths are formed on the slope, a drain should be 
laid ift. below the surface, and catch-pits and grids placed at 
intervals of 10ft. to 20ft. in connection with the drains on each 
side of the path. Generally speaking, unless there be much 
surface water, drains and grids are not required in the case of 
level paths. There should be a slight camber or contour to 
the paths to throw off the water to the sides. A rise in the 
centre of ^in. is sufficient for a 3ft. path ; iin. to i^in. fcr a 
4ft., and 2in. or slightly less for a 5ft. or 6ft. path. In the 
foregoing remarks gravel only has been mentioned for sur- 
facing paths. Ballast, however, is often used, and is an 
excellent substitute for gravel. Cinders, too, are often used, 
but we only recommend these for very small gardens. Asphalte 
and tar are favoured by some, but they are not so pleasing to 
the eye as the brown or reddish tinted gravel. Both asphalte 
and tar paving should be laid by someone accustomed to such 
work, otherwise it will not prove lasting or satisfactory. The 
gravel should not be of a loose, shingly nature, but contain a 
fair amount of loam, so that when moistened and well rolled it 
will settle into a firm, hard surface. Roughly, the cost per yard 
super for forming a gravel path is 3s. 6d.to 4s. ; asphalte, 10s. ; 
tar, 2s. 6d. ; ballast, 3s. Gravel paths have one disadvantage ; 
they are apt to produce a crop of weeds. These, however, 
may be kept in check by an annual application of one of the 
prepared weed killers ; or by a solution of hot brine, or car- 
bolic acid at the rate of an ounce per gallon of water. Once 
every three or four years it is a good plan to lightly loosen 
