LAWNS AND PLAYGROUNDS. 253 



place 3 inches of the loam that has been dug out upon the 

 rough soil you have put in, then sow, bush harrow, and lightly 

 roll." 



" Weeds, moss, and bare places on lawns show that they are 



worn out. To remedy this, take off the turf in rolls 3 feet long, 



I foot wide, and I inch thick. If the turf cannot 



Treatment of old be rolled, take 6 inches of the surface away, then 



lawns. trench 2 feet deep, keeping the good soil on the 



top as you proceed. Tread firmly all over and 



fill up to the level with good soil ; mix with the loam, burnt 



ballast, old brick rubbish, half-inch crushed bones, and road 



sidings or sweepings. Then turf and treat as in the case 



of new lawns. On old lawns there are very often handsome 



deciduous trees too close to which it would be dangerous to trench. 



To get grass to grow under these, take away 2 inches of the 



exhausted soil, replace with good, and sow thereon grass seed 



thickly. Rake the seed in gently, roll it lightly, and water when 



necessary. This may be repeated in the same way as often as 



the soil under the trees becomes bare. 



" In some cases where turf is scarce, a roll of turf 3 feet long 

 and i foot wide may be taken and cut in half lengthways. With 

 this form the outlines of the beds, which have been staked out pre- 

 viously, beat down to the level required, and bring up the interven- 

 ing spaces to the level of the turf with good soil. Make this firm, rake 

 it level, and on this sow some good grass seed. Bush harrow it over,, 

 roll lightly, and protect from birds where these are troublesome. Cut 

 the grass when 6 inches high with a scythe, and keep it well watered 

 during the summer if the weather is dry. In this way a beautiful 

 lawn may be had at little expense as compared with turfing it 

 completely over." 



" In some parts of Hampshire and Surrey, where peat and 



sand abound, seeds are by far the best to use to form a good 



turf. Remove all peat from the site you wish 



Lawns on peaty for a lawn, pile it on the outside of the work 



and sandy soil, and cast plenty of water upon it. Then take 



out 2 or 3 inches of the dark sand that lies 



under the peat, and cast this also over the pile of peat. Take 



out 12 inches of the sand, dig all over 12 inches deep and tread 



it firmly. Get all the road scrapings and road trimmings to be had 



with a little clay and stiff loam, and cast upon the peat pile. Having 



got together the quantity you think will fill up to your level, cut up 



small the peat you have in the pile and mix all well together with 



this, fill up to the level, tread firmly all over, then give everywhere 



a good coating of cow manure, turned 3 inches under the surface,. 



