258 THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDr.. 



materials, our advice would be in favour of the purchase of the best 

 turf possible, for any extent of ground under one acre ; but when 

 we get beyond an acre, with every increase of extent, the argument 

 in favour of seeds increases in force, for the cutting and carting of 

 turf is a somewhat costly business. In selecting turf for a garden, 

 give the preference to that which is of close texture, containing a fair 

 sprinkling of clover intermixed with the finer grasses. We have 

 formed many lawns from meadow turf, which in the first instance 

 appeared far too coarse, and they have in the course of three years 

 acquired a beautiful texture, fit for the foot of a princess in a fairy 

 tale. Grass turf may be laid at any time during favourable weather, 

 but the autumn is to be preferred, because of the long season of 

 growth the newly-laid turf will have to aid in its establishment before 

 being tried by the summer sun. If laid early in the spring, grass 

 usually passes through the first summer safely, but is of necessity 

 exposed to the risk of being roasted ; in the event of a hot dry 

 summer, the risk is greater in the case of turf laid late, than of turf 

 laid early. AY ben the work is deferred until the season of spring 

 showers is past, it will be advisable to spread over the turf a coat of 

 good manure, aud keep it regularly and liberally watered until 

 showers occur. 



In selecting seeds, the character of the soil must be taken into 

 consideration, for a mixture that would suit a clay or loam would 

 not equally well suit a sand, gravel, or chalk soil. The seedsmen 

 who make a " speciality " of grass seeds will for any given case 

 supply a better mixture than any one unskilled in the matter could 

 obtain, even if acting on the advice of a botanist or gardener. As, 

 however, prescriptions are occasionally required by seedsmen who 

 have not had extensive experience, we shall append to this chapter 

 a few for mixtures adapted to particular kinds of soils. The best 

 time in the year to sow seeds is the month of August. If the work 

 cannot then be completed, the sowing may be continued through 

 September and October, but not later, and may be resumed in 

 February and March. Grass seeds may be sown, indeed, on any day 

 in the year, provided the weather is favourable for the operation, 

 and the ground in a fit state ; but the month of August is the best 

 time to insure a good plant before winter, aud a long period of 

 growth before the summer heat returns. 



There is yet a third mode of forming a lawn, now rarely prac- 

 tised, but in days when grass seeds were comparatively unknown, 

 frequently resorted to. It is termed " inoculating," and consists in 

 planting pieces of grass turf at regular distances over the plot. In 

 districts where good turf is obtainable only in small quantities, 

 this method may be recommended, for if the turves are torn 

 into small pieces, and planted at a foot apart in September or 

 February, they will extend rapidly, and form a pretty good sward 

 the first season. 



In the after management, the principal operations consist of 

 rolling, mowing, and weeding. Grass seeds must be constantly 

 weeded, until the turf thickens sufficiently to kill out the weeds, 

 and newly-laid turf must be kept clear of thistles, docks, aud other 



