Remarks. The most original feature at Redleaf, as we have already observed, is the rocky lawn; and respecting it there are several points which require to be noticed. In the first place, a slight scar, or protruding rock, which appeared above the surface before any of the improvements were commenced, indicated that the same rock was abundant beneath the surface; secondly, the general slope of the grounds admitted of making a large excavation at this scar, and yet preserving the surface perfectly dry; thirdly, this excavation enabled Mr. Wells to get an extensive flower-garden near the house, which, at the same time, should not be seen from it; and, fourthly, this lawn was in harmony with the rocky bank in the English garden, and with the ledge or causeway in the rocky valley; which ledge may be said to form, as it were, the key-note to the place. The suitableness of the stone walk to this rocky garden is worthy of notice: not only does the material harmonise with the margins of the beds, and the rocky bank, better than gravel would have done, but, being on a steep slope, it is not liable to be washed away, as that material would have been, by every shower of rain. The walk is formed by flat laminï¾µ of the sandstone, from six inches to a foot in thickness, not very even en the surface, and joined together in the most irregular forms, like the lava pavements in Portici, and other towns in Italy. The stones rise from 3 in. to 9 in. above the surface of the grass; the width averages from 4 ft. to 5 ft.; but sometimes, where very large stones occur, the walk is double that height. Sometimes we are inclined to think that, if this rocky walk only rose an inch or two above the surface, instead of 6 or 8 inches, the effect would be better, and the walk would have the appearance of being more solid and secure, and it would, perhaps, also be less conspicuous at a distance; but we throw out the hint, as we do every other where Mr. Wells's taste is concerned, with great doubts. One valuable practice which is adopted at Redleaf is, that, in every part of the garden scenery where the slope is considerable, the walks are paved with brick, and have brick or stone edgings. Some great advantages result from this practice. The walks are never injured by rain, but rather improved by being washed clean; and, as no weeds can grow in them, nor can they get soft with rain, nor powdery with dry weather, they never require rolling. Gravel walks must be turned or partially renewed every two or three years; and the box, which is annually clipped, should also be taken up and replanted, sometimes every six or seven years. Brick or flagstone walks, or walks of asphalte, however, with brick or stone edgings, if properly laid at first on a solid foundation, and with such drainage as will admit of no water stagnating beneath the bricks, will last ten or twelve years, without any repairs whatever.
