Lawns and Tennis Grounds from Seed 



size of the pipes can be determined by the rainfall of the district ; 

 the distance between the rows by the nature of the soil. The depth 

 need not be great, as the roots of grass do not penetrate far into the 

 earth. Fifteen feet between the rows, and the pipes three feet below 

 the surface, are common measurements. No single drain should be 

 very long, and the smaller should enter the larger pipes at an obtuse 

 angle, to avoid arresting the flow of water. Near shrubberies and 

 hedges the sockets must be set in cement, or the roots may force 

 admission and choke the drain ; and the outflow should be examined 

 periodically to insure efficient working. In laying the pipes it is 

 necessary to employ a practical man who understands the business 

 and will consider the peculiar requirements of the case. 



Preparatory Work. Around some of the ' Stately Homes of 

 England' are vast stretches of ornamental turf, which, with their 

 surroundings, constitute landscapes of surpassing beauty. Lawns of 

 this magnitude need the treatment of a master-hand, and they are 

 beyond the limits we have now especially in view. But the principles 

 which govern the work are applicable alike to great and small. 

 Before seed is sown the land intended for a lawn must be well 

 drained, in good condition, thoroughly firm, with a fine, friable, and 

 perfectly true surface. 



The charm of a garden is not always enhanced by making a lawn 

 formal in its outline. It may not even be desirable to attempt a 

 level. The trend of the ground, the surroundings, and the view from 

 the residence demand consideration. But for outdoor pastimes, 

 such as bowls, croquet, and tennis, which are played on fine turf, a 

 perfect level is imperative. Except for this one point the work of 

 preparation is substantially the same in all cases. 



When no important alteration of the ground is necessary deep 

 cultivation should be avoided. Spudding to the depth of six to nine 

 inches will suffice, and this affords the opportunity of incorporating 

 such manure as may be required. It frequently happens, however, 

 that the desired conformation can only be obtained by the removal 

 or addition of a considerable mass of earth. Possibly the surface 

 may have to be made good by soil brought from a distance. In such 

 a case it is usual to shoot the loads where needed as they arrive, 

 tread the earth firmly down, and make the seed-bed even as the 

 work proceeds. This is the proper method when the whole bulk of 

 earth is obtained from one source and is uniform in quality. But in 

 the event of there being much difference in the character of the soil, 

 it will be necessary to spread a layer of each kind over the entire 



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