THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF THE TENNIS COURT 



inches, with six or eight inches of cinders well packed 

 down, watered, and thoroughly rolled, before packing 

 on it the six or eight inches of firm dirt surface. A 

 three- or four-inch layer -of broken stone under the 

 cinders will improve a dirt court. It not only will 

 provide better drainage and cause the court to dry 

 off quickly after a rain, but it also will prevent the 

 surface from heaving during winter frosts, and de- 

 stroying the evenness. Both the stone and the cinder 

 layers will be improved by being bound with earth 

 and rolled firmly down with a heavy roller. A good 

 foundation that will quickly carry away all water 

 will keep the dirt surface from becoming sticky or 

 muddy after a rain. 



Not only must the stone and cinder foundation be 

 carefully laid to provide permanent and satisfactory 

 drainage, but it also is important slightly to slope 

 the firm upper surface to facilitate drainage, and 

 prevent puddles from forming in the centre, or where 

 the play causes special wear and tear. The hard- 

 pan found beneath the top soil in many localities will 

 give a good surface for the dirt court, as will any 

 other soil of a cohesive nature. A slight mixture 

 of sand also will improve it. Thorough watering, 

 sanding, and rolling will prove the chief secret of 

 success in packing the dirt on the foundation, and 

 giving the court a hard, smooth surface. 



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