LEVELLING AND LAYING OUT. 153 



This will be obvious from the following section, in which a is the desired level, 

 h an open trench to get rid of the worthless subsoil, and c the section of the 

 next ground to be levelled. 

 Of course, the surface-soil ^^^^^ 



would be thrown from c into 

 the trench h, up to the level 

 of the line a ; the subsoil 

 would then be carted or wheeled where it was wanted, and the same pro- 

 cess be repeated throughout the entire section. The new level would then 

 be furnished with a depth of from 2 to 3 feet of good soil, fit for all cultural 

 purposes. 



361. Drains might also be inserted during the progress of the work, and 

 thus the three important operations of levelling, trenching, and di'aining, 

 proceed at once. All garden-ground should be trenched ; for most purposes, 

 from 3 to 4 feet is a good depth ; even grass will hum less in hot weather, 

 and look better at all times, if it has a depth of from 18 inches to 2 feet of good 

 soil to grow in. The different effects of dry seasons upon lawns in the same 

 localities arise chiefly from the varying depths of their soil : this has even 

 more influence than their quality, for almost any poor soil will grow lawn 

 gi-asses ; and if too rich, the grass will become coarse, and mihtate against that 

 elastic carpet appearance which constitutes the inimitable charm of British 

 lawns. Where this is the case, part of the rich soil should be removed, and 

 some of the poor soil mixed up with the surface intended for grass. Some- 

 times the soil of other parts is so poor as to be much benefitted by a liberal 

 application of well-rotted stable or other manure. Generally, however, if it 

 is well mixed, and not simply inverted, in the process of trenching, moved to 

 a sufl&cient depth, and properly drained, the soil on the spot will grow most 

 of the garden-plants well. Roses, &c., will require a richer soil, and azaleas, 

 thalmias, &c., peat-earth to grow in. I have found rhododendrons generally 

 grow almost as well, and flower better, in stiff sandy loam than in any other 

 soil whatever. Where peat cannot be procured, rotten leaves converted into 

 mould are the best substitute. If possible, all special soils should be introduced 

 during the performance of the heavy ground-work incident to levelling, trend- 

 ing, &c. This will prevent newly-made lawns from being injured by wheeling, 

 on it, before they are properly consolidated. Walks should also be made, 

 walls built, and steps erected at this stage of the proceedings ; but the 

 surface-gravel ought not to be put on until the turf is laid, and all the rough 

 work finished. 



362. And now, having got the ground into shape, and all the heavy work 

 completed, if operators and proprietors could only be induced to rest from 

 their labours for nine or ten months, they would speedily gain double that 

 time in enhanced rapidity of growth, and more satisfactory results. The fact 

 is, the gi-ound ought to be furnished with a green crop of some description, 

 to ameliorate its texture and clear it from weeds. Any part, too, that had 

 been made up from a greater depth than others would have time to subside 



