48 THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



garden depends on the neatness with which these 

 are kept than even on the flowers themselves. Great 

 attention should be paid to the kinds of grass-seeds 

 which are sown for new lawns. The horticultural 

 seedsmen have selections made for this purpose. We 

 must refer our readers to Mrs. London's 9th chapter ; 

 but let them be sure not to omit the sweet-scented 

 spring-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) , which gives 

 its delicious fragrance to new-made hay. Lime- 

 water will get rid of the worms when they infest the 

 lawn in great quantities ; but perhaps it is as well 

 not to destroy them altogether. Most gardeners 

 strive to eradicate the moss from their grass : it 

 seems to us that it should rather be encouraged : it 

 renders the lawn much more soft to the foot, prevents 

 its being dried up in hot weather, and saves much 

 labour in mowing. The most perfect kind of lawn 

 is perhaps that which consists of only one kind of 

 grass ; but for the generality a mossy surface would 

 be far better than the mangy, bare aspect we so often 

 see. The grass should never be mown without 

 having also its edges trimmed. We have seen in 

 some places a small slope of grass filling up the right 

 angle usually left between the turf and gravel, and 

 ,we think it an improvement. 



The smoothness and verdure of our lawns is the 

 first thing in our gardens that catches the eye of a 

 foreigner ; the next is the fineness and firmness of 

 our gravel-walks. The foundation of them should 

 always be thoroughly drained. Weeds may be de- 

 stroyed by salt ; but it must be used cautiously. 



