The trees and vines above will, to some extent, cast
an unwholesome shade. He who has set his heart on the biggest
cabbages and best potatoes in town must cultivate them in ground
open to the sky, and unpervaded by any roots except their own. If
the general fruitfulness of the garden rather than perfection in a
few vegetables is desired, the borders, with their trees, vines,
and flowers, will prove no objection. Moreover, when it comes to
competing in cabbages, potatoes, etc., the proprietor of the Home
Acre will find that some Irishman, by the aid of his redolent pig-
pen, will surpass him. The roots and shade extending from his
borders will not prevent him from growing good vegetables, if not
the largest.
We will therefore suppose that, as the simplest and most
economical arrangement, he has adopted the plan of a walk six feet
wide extending through the centre of his garden. As was the case
with the other paths, it will be greatly to his advantage to stake
it out and remove about four inches of the surface-soil, piling it
near the stable to be used for composting purposes or in the
earth-closet. The excavation thus made should be filled with small
stones or cinders, and then covered with fine gravel. A walk that
shall be dry at all times is thus secured, and it will be almost
wholly free from weeds.
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