90 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



lawn mower. After the lawn is well established, the further applica- 

 tion of some fertilizer annually, or, at farthest, every alternate season^ 

 is essential, using auy of those employed in the original preparation of 

 the soil. Each possesses the same relative value with the possible ex- 

 ception of manure which has the additional objection of being un- 

 sightly while on the lawn. Bone meal at the rate of 600 pounds per 

 acre is especially good for this purpose. While it does not act as 

 quickly, the important objections to the use of manure are avoided. 

 In applying bone meal, I like to mix it with about an equal bulk of 

 clean soil and let the mixture stand three or four days to slightly fer- 

 ment, when it seems to act more quickly on the sod. 



Lawns are often made by sodding with turf brought from other 

 places. This is desireable for immediate effVct when the expense is 

 not an item, and often with better results than sowing seed, where per- 

 fectly clean sod may be had. Moreover, sodding is quite essential on 

 terraces or other abruptly rolling places where the soil is liable to 

 wash down before a turf is formed. It is a good plan to have clean 

 cut sod for edging along the walks. The ground is prepared the same 

 for sodding as for seeding. The sods are cut in convenient sizes and 

 about one and a half inches thick. The ground should be sprinkled 

 just before the sod is laid and again immediately after. 



But little need be said concerning the planting of ornamentals. 

 The many conditions that must be taken into consideration makes it 

 difficult to formulate even very general rules. The extent and contour 

 of the grounds, the style of the residence and natural and artificial 

 surroundings are all of vital importance to the harmonious arrange- 

 ment of the whole. The selection of varieties is of secondary im- 

 portance. More frequently many of our common native plants might 

 be utilized, and may often be procured for the mere labor of trans- 

 planting. Taking a specitic example, such as a narrow city lot, with 

 only a rod or two of ground in front of the residence, is too small for 

 a large growing tree, though one or two should be planted in the street 

 in front of the lot. In such a place 1 should only plant some low- 

 growing hedges, such as California Privet ( Ligustrum Ibota) around 

 the sides, and one or two small, solid clumps of shrubs, or moderately 

 growing herbaceous plants, banked against the porch, at the side the 

 steps or the corner of the residence, with some climbers, such as ivy, 

 clematis, climbing bittersweet, morning glory, hyacinth bean or cypress 

 vine, over the porch or a portion of the residence and on any unsightly 

 fence that may surround the lower 



In the rear yard the walk leading to the alley should be narrow 

 and at one side. A few shade trees should be planted, together with a 



