MARCH.] FLOWER GARDEN GRASS PLATS, &c. 



three weeks, while growing, nor must it be walked 

 upon. White clover and true perennial rye-grass are 

 the seeds most proper for sowing. The ground must 

 in the first place be all equally made up, and levelled 

 with the spade and rake ; not " cart loads of soil laid 

 down and leveled," which would finally become very 

 uneven, and would need to be lifted and relaid next 

 year. The best turf is that of a close growing pasture 

 or common, free from^all kinds of weeds or strong roots, 

 and the grass short. To cut it expeditiously, be pro- 

 vided with a turfing-iron; but if that cannot be conve- 

 niently had, a spade may do very well. Strain a line 

 tight, cutting the turf lengthways, at equal distances, from 

 twelve to eighteen inches. Next draw the line across, 

 cutting from one and a half to two feet ; then cut them 

 up with the spade, about one and a half inch thick. In 

 laying, join them close and alternately; when done, beat 

 them firm with a level wooden beater, and roll with a 

 heavy roller. 



Grass walks, in the last century, were very popular ; 

 but time having put them to the test, they are found 

 unfit for walking upon or using in any manner, 

 almost for one half of the year; therefore not answering 

 the purposes intended. They require great attention 

 to keep them in order ; and if not always neat and 

 clean, they are a disagreeable object in a garden ; but 

 when they are well dressed, their effect is very enliven- 

 ing. Where they are desired, prepare the ground as 

 above directed ; making the walk a little higher than 

 the adjoining borders, to prevent the earth from being 

 washed on it by the rain. Allowing the walks to be 

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