March.~\ GRASS PLATS AND WALKS. 57 



yards, mix it with double the quantity of sand, and before 

 rain in April or May, sow the mixture over the grass in 

 a few days its effects will be seen. Where grass lawns 

 are poor, and of a pale yellow colour, about four hundred 

 weight to the acre, mixed with sand or dry earth, will 

 effectually restore them to a luxuriant verdure. 



Rake and sweep off from these all litter, and worm-cast 

 earth, and give an occasional rolling to settle the ground, 

 and render the surface smooth, where the sythe is to be 

 used. The grass will likewise grow better by rolling it 

 where the frost has partially thrown it out, and add greatly 

 to its beauty. Cut the edgings with an edging iron or 

 spade, so that the whole will have a finished appearance. 

 If any new turf is required to be laid down, this is a very 

 good time to do it, before vegetation is strong ; as the turf 

 that is now laid will have taken root before the dry season 

 commences. Where a great extent is to be done, sowing 

 might be adopted; but it will not have the effect of turf 

 under three years, and during that time must be carefully 

 cut, after the first season, every three weeks, while grow- 

 ing, nor must it be too frequently walked upon. White 

 clover and true perennial rye-grass are the seeds most 

 proper for sowing. The ground must, in the first place, 

 be all equally made up, and leveled with the spade and 

 rake ; not "cart loads of soil laid down and leveled," which 

 would finally become very uneven, and would need to be 

 lifted and relaid next year. The best turf is that of a close 

 growing pasture or common, free from all kinds of weeds 

 or strong roots, and the grass short. To cut it expeditiously, 

 be provided with a turfing-iron ; but if that cannot be con- 

 veniently had, a spade may do very well. Strain a line 

 tight, cutting the turf lengthwise, at equal distances, from 

 twelve to eighteen inches. Next draw the line across, cut- 

 ting from one and a half to two feet; then cut them up with 

 the spade, about one and a half inch thick. In laying, join 

 them close and alternately; when done, K>at them firm with 

 a level wooden beater, and roll with a heavy roller. 



Grass walks, in the last century, were very popular ; but 

 time having put them to the test, they are found unfit for 

 walking upon or using in any manner, almost for one-half 

 of the year ; therefore, not answering the purposes intend- 

 ed. They require great attention to keep them in order; 



