Lawns and Tennis Grounds from Seed 



ment it may be possible to sow before the season is far advanced. 

 Soil which is adhesive should be covered with several inches of light 

 loam, or it will poach badly after rain, and take a long time to dry. 

 The most useful lawns are those which remain firm under a shower 

 and dry quickly when rain ceases. 



The soil presenting the greatest difficulty is a dry sand, on which, 

 in its natural state, the attempt to establish a fine turf is almost a 

 hopeless task. After an immense quantity of stable or farmyard 

 manure has been incorporated, the land in two or three seasons 

 appears to be little the better for it. Nothing less than a thick layer 

 of rich and somewhat adhesive loam will ensure a really satisfactory 

 seed-bed. Even then the grass soon turns brown under a July sun, 

 unless it is abundantly watered. 



Grass Slopes. Gardens which surround houses on rising 

 ground descend from the terrace by steps and steep slopes to the 

 lawn or pleasure-ground, and some architects arrange for such 

 terraces on land which does not necessitate their construction. 

 When these terraces and slopes are well planned, and harmonise 

 with the dwelling, they are very attractive so long as the grass 

 remains green and is trimly kept. Before making steep slopes, 

 however, it is wise to consider the consequences. Any soil facing 

 south is liable to burn in summer, and the copious use of water will 

 scarcely prevent the turf from turning brown during continued dry 

 weather. In a modified degree this is true concerning slopes which 

 face east or west. There is also a difficulty as to mowing. If the 

 grass cannot be cut by machine or scythe, it has to be kept close 

 mainly by the use of shears, and a wearisome business it is. The 

 least neglect results in a slovenly appearance, and every bare spot 

 shows conspicuously, so that unless the sward can be kept in perfect 

 order, slopes had better be avoided. 



Drainage. Should draining be necessary, this operation takes 

 precedence of all other work in preparing land for a lawn. Drainage 

 is so generally assumed to be satisfactory in gardens that the subject 

 is seldom thought of. If rain pass freely through the soil, leaving no 

 stagnant pools in wet winters, the sufficiency of the natural drainage 

 may be inferred. But it should be clearly understood that a fine 

 lawn cannot be established on a bog. Sour land soddened with 

 moisture, or an impervious clay, must have pipes properly laid 

 before good turf is possible, and, as the trenches are seldom filled so 

 firmly as to prevent the ground from sinking afterwards, draining 

 should be completed at least six months before seed is sown. The 



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