FINAL SHAPING OF THE SURFACE. 319 



work. Terraces and slopes may be shaped very j^erfectly 

 as regards their surface on this principle. If these 

 are to be straight in each part, and the angles and out- 

 lines all straight, it will not be difficult to indicate the 

 desired grade on rows of stakes at the top and bottom of 

 any slopes, and at the margins of terraces. Where the 

 outlines of terraces are curying, a little more difficulty 

 attends the laying out and shaj^ing. For such work, 

 and in fact for all cutting of slopes, the slope guage shown 

 in figure 126 is a great help. By laying out the upper 

 curve of the slope, marking it clearly on the ground of the 

 upper level, and then using this guage the work of cutting 

 down the slants is easily done. Slopes should seldom be 

 made of a greater angle than forty-five degrees. 



In thus shaping up the grounds, as directed, it is 

 calculated that at this time the soil is distributed pre- 

 cisely as it shall appear when finished and clothed with 

 grass. But if in any case the surface has become har- 

 dened by trampling or driving, it may be best now to 

 carefully go over all with a spade, or in large pieces the 

 plow, and work it over very evenly, preparatory to receiv- 

 ing the trees, shrubs, plants, and grass. This I repeat 

 should be carefully done, with a view to changing the 

 lay of the land as slightly as possible. No attention 

 need be paid to the stakes now, as these are no more 

 needed. In plowing this time, the soil from the first 

 furrow is thrown above the common level, after the 

 piece is overturned it should be drawn into the open fur- 

 row that is left by the plow in finishing, that all may 

 become even again. A heavy harrow, along with a roller, 

 should then be applied until the surface is thoroughly 

 fined down. The roller serves to settle the soil, and re- 

 veal small mounds and deficiencies which may need cor- 

 recting with the shovel and rake. In small plats that 

 have been spaded, the rake and hand-roller will be used 

 in place of the harrow, etc. 



