174 TOWN PLANTING 



and beneath trees probably the best grasses 

 are Holcus mollis and Elymus arenarius : both 

 excellent subjects that seem to luxuriate in the 

 atmosphere which is fatal to so many other 

 herbs ; they spread about freely and are remark- 

 ably verdant even in the smokiest localities. 

 The after management of grass plots in towns 

 is fraught with care and attention to the matter 

 of top-dressing and keeping the grasses in a 

 strong and healthy condition. For this pur- 

 pose street sweepings, when allowed to lie for 

 a few months and mixed with light earth, are 

 particularly valuable, the mixture being applied 

 in early Spring. Amongst the various chemi- 

 cal manures I have found none to equal 

 " Phyto-broma," which has truly a marvellous 

 effect in recuperating exhausted grass land in 

 smoky districts. It should be sparingly 

 applied with about six times its bulk of wood 

 ashes or fine rich mould. In order to keep 

 town turf in nice condition, mowing (which 

 thickens and strengthens the grasses) and 

 rolling should be regularly attended to. 



