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raising of fine breeds of cattle all over the State, the farms 

 may be turned into paying institutions. 



The Lawn. 



A lawn cannot be successfully developed in one season, 

 but it requires care in the selection of seed or sod and judi- 

 cious labor in the preparation of the land. The first year is 

 required to give the grass a firm hold on the soil, and even 

 much of the second year is at times necessary to permit a 

 uniform covering of the surface, particularly in those in- 

 stances where the grass has been drilled or the sod set out 

 in bunches. 



The first matter of importance for consideration is the 

 thorough preparation of the land. The character of soil 

 best suited for the cultivation of grass is a sandy loam with 

 a clay subsoil. The land should be well drained to prevent a 

 too wet condition, which v/ill result in sourness. Plow deep 

 in the fall, after broadcasting an ample supply of stable 

 manure or ground bone and cottonseed meal. If the land is 

 not situated in a limestone region, and there is a deficiency 

 of lime, this substance must also be broadcast before plowing. 

 A liberal application of air-slaked lime, or land-plaster, should 

 be made — at least, ten to twenty bushels per acre, where 

 there is a deficiency. No definite rules, however, can be 

 given as to the amount of lime required. The question de- 

 pends entirely upon the character of the soil. In those por- 

 tions of Alabama where marls are common the land for 

 grass cultivation will be greatly improved by broadcasting 

 the marl and ploughing in. In this case the application of 

 lime will not be necessary, since this substance is one of the 

 chief ingredients in the marl. 



After plowing deep so that the soil will be thoroughly 

 loosened, the harrow must be run over several times until 

 the clods are broken, the earth finely pulverized, and the 

 surface is rendered level. If the land is poor in humus or 

 organic matter, and there is not a sufficient supply of stable 

 manure available, it will be wise to first sow in peas, and 

 turn them under before attempting to grow grass. When 



